Pedro Lopes
Belton,TX
Summary
FAA Part 107-certified Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operator with 550+ hours of mishap-free flight operations supporting ISR, border security, and public safety missions. Experienced instructor, aircraft commander, and maintenance chief responsible for supervising pilots, managing aircraft fleets, and executing tactical aerial surveillance operations.
Extensive experience operating tactical and commercial drone platforms, integrating aerial intelligence with infrastructure mapping, surveying, and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) field operations. Proven ability to lead drone programs, manage mission systems, and deploy autonomous aircraft in complex operational environments. I am currently completing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems program at Cochise College (3.8 GPA).
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SUAS Operator | Instructor | Maintenance Chief
Texas Military Department
Austin,TX
01.2023 - Current
- Logged 300+ hours of safe small UAS flight operations supporting border security and law enforcement missions.
- Led the first state-level sUAS mission supporting border security and public safety operations.
- Supervise and evaluate 26 drone pilots through annual flight evaluations and readiness checks.
- Manage operational readiness and maintenance for a fleet of 30 unmanned aircraft systems.
- Deploy autonomous aircraft for tactical ISR surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
- Diagnose and resolve network and communication issues in field environments.
- Ensure aviation safety compliance and OSHA-compliant maintenance procedures.
- Coordinate aerial operations with DHS, Texas DPS, and wildlife enforcement teams.
UAS Operator – RQ-7B Shadow V2
Texas Army National Guard
Gatesville,TX
12.2017 - Current
- Accumulated 250+ hours of mishap-free flight time operating the RQ-7B Shadow tactical unmanned aircraft system.
- Conduct aerial ISR missions supporting military reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
- Promoted to Aircraft Commander at a junior level due to mission performance and leadership ability.
- Deliver mission briefings, operational updates, and intelligence reports to command teams.
- Perform daily aircraft inspections and operator-level maintenance procedures.
- Support mission systems using Red Hat Enterprise Linux and ground control stations.
- Maintain strict adherence to aviation safety and operational protocols.
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician
S.A.M
09.2022 - 01.2024
- Conducted underground utility locating and exposure operations to verify utility depth, type, and alignment.
- Utilized ground penetrating radar (GPR), rigid utility scanners, and field surveying techniques.
- Produced CAD-based infrastructure maps documenting underground utilities.
- Performed full-site utility assessments and generated project maps from field-collected data.
- Documented findings and coordinated with engineering and surveying teams.
- Prepared equipment loads, operated company vehicles, and navigated to project sites.
- Maintained OSHA-compliant excavation and field safety procedures.
Education
Associate of Science - Unmanned Aviation
Cochise College
Sierra Vista, AZ09-2026
Skills
- ISR Surveillance Operations
- UAS / sUAS Flight Operations
- Mission Planning & Operational Briefings
- Aircraft Fleet Maintenance & Readiness
- Multi-Agency Coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
- Part 107 License - current
- Secret Security Clearance
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
SUAS Operator | Instructor | Maintenance Chief
Texas Military Department
01.2023 - Current
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician
S.A.M
09.2022 - 01.2024
UAS Operator – RQ-7B Shadow V2
Texas Army National Guard
12.2017 - Current
Associate of Science - Unmanned Aviation
Cochise College