Field Deployment Lead

What we do

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization, automation, and aerial intelligence will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large-scale solar. To fully unlock this potential, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. Our Drone-in-a-Box program is a critical component in this vision, enabling continuous and autonomous data capture across solar sites worldwide.
 
We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of massive solar projects. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newcomers, engineers, coders, product managers, drone specialists, and project managers. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world.

Job Description

As the Drone Deployment Lead, you will be responsible for the end-to-end mobilization, deployment, return, and maintenance of Terabase-owned drone-in-a-box equipment and supporting assets. You will be responsible for ensuring that all DIB systems are safely delivered, deployed, operated, and returned from project sites, while overseeing maintenance and repairs to maximize uptime and reliability across multiple, active projects across the US.

You will collaborate with project managers, remote pilot teams, service providers, and technical support SMEs to coordinate logistics, troubleshoot issues, and maintain high standards of operational excellence. You will lead DIB deployments across multiple sites, support pilot teams and data capture technology needs, and ensure deployed equipment meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements and uptime to deliver timely data for our customers.

Responsibilities

Deployment & Return Operations

·       Lead the mobilization, deployment, and demobilization of drone-in-a-box equipment and supporting assets across multiple project sites.

·       Develop and implement logistics plans and deployment documentation for safe delivery, installation, and tear-down of fielded DIB systems.

·       Coordinate with internal teams, external customers, and supporting vendors to ensure timely and efficient site setup and equipment return.

·       Maintain accurate records of equipment inventory, location, status, and deployment schedules to ensure efficient rotation of equipment from project to warehouse.

Maintenance & Repair

·       Oversee schedule & unscheduled (corrective) maintenance of drone-in-a-box equipment in the field & warehouse, including hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure.

·       Diagnose & resolve technical issues, coordinating with vendors and technical support as needed and traveling to project sites to resolve issues which cannot be remotely resolved.

·       Establish and enforce preventive maintenance schedules and documentation standards.

·       Manage spare parts inventory and ensure availability for rapid repairs and proper parts rotation schedules.

Operational Oversight

·       Monitor deployed systems for performance, reliability, and safety.

·       Ensure compliance with FAA Part 107, local aviation regulations, and site-specific safety requirements per the Terabase remote drone operational policies & site evaluation requirements.

·       Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for mobilization, maintenance, and repairs enabling streamlined deployments & reduced time on-site.

·       Provide regular reporting on equipment status, uptime, and maintenance activities.

Stakeholder Engagement

·       Serve as the primary point of contact for site teams regarding DIB mobilization and maintenance.

·       Support customer onboarding and training related to equipment deployment and care.

·       Translate feedback from field operations into process improvements and technical enhancements.

Process Improvement & Scalability

·       Identify bottlenecks and propose solutions for more efficient mobilization and maintenance workflows.

·       Lead structured reviews to capture lessons learned and standardize best practices.

·       Support integration of DIB asset data into project management and digital twin platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

•        Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aviation, business management, or related field.

•        FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

•        5+ years’ experience in drone operations, aviation, or program management.

·       Experience with drone-in-a-box systems (Percepto, DJI Dock, Skydio Dock, etc.)

·       Proven experience managing technology programs or complex field operations.

·       Familiarity with FAA Part 107 regulations and autonomous drone technologies.

·       Strong communication skills with ability to manage cross-functional and remote teams.

·       Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).

·       Ability to travel up to 50% for site deployments, maintenance, repairs, training, and vendor oversight.

Preferred Qualifications
 

• Knowledge of solar PV site operations, photogrammetry, and geospatial data workflows.
• Background in large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, or aerospace programs.

Compensation And Benefits

This role offers a base salary of $110,000 – $120,000 (DOE)

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each posted range, individual pay is determined (and may be greater or higher), dependent on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous time off and holiday policy

• Remote flexibility

• Flexible time off

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Career progression

• 401k match

• Stock options

• Home office set up allowance

• And much more!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third-party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing-related inquiries.