Job Description
Company Overview Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas—including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.
Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability—designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field—what we call connecting design with effect.
Metrea’s solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.
This role sitswithin
Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions.
Position Summary In this role, you will lead the Air Mobility Group’s Flight Operations capability, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations across all programs. You will be successful if you can inspire and manage a diverse team, uphold the highest standards of aviation safety and regulatory compliance, and deliver operational excellence that meets customer and mission requirements. Your leadership will directly impact contract execution, customer satisfaction, and the future growth of AIRMOB’s aviation programs.
What You’ll Do - Lead and manage the Flight Operations department in alignment with AIRMOB’s mission and values
- Recruit, develop, and retain qualified flight operations personnel to meet program demands
- Oversee creation and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance across crews
- Oversight of operations manuals, MELs, and regulatory documentation with precision and accuracy
- Ensure robust operational control through effective scheduling, resourcing, and supervision of flight operations
- Champion and implement the Safety Management System (SMS), embedding risk management best practices
- Liaise with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with FAA and other governing standards
- Collaborate with Maintenance, Safety, Ground Operations, Crew Training, Airworthiness, and Quality & Compliance leaders to maintain seamless operations
- Monitor performance metrics and report KPIs to senior leadership, driving continuous improvement
- Perform additional duties as needed to support the efficiency and success of the Flight Operations Department
What You’ll Bring Must Haves - Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree in aviation, engineering, or related discipline preferred
- Minimum 5 years of relevant aviation experience, including 2+ years in aeronautical industry leadership roles
- Proven expertise in aviation safety standards, operational risk management, and regulatory compliance
- Direct flight experience, ideally including air‑to‑air refueling operations
- Strong record of progressive leadership in aviation organizations, including oversight of flight standards and crew resource management
- Excellent communication skills for briefing, reporting, and customer engagement
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex teams with integrity, discretion, and professionalism
- Strong command of English, both written and spoken
Nice to Haves - MBA or Master’s degree in a technical discipline
- Military aviation or comparable industry leadership experience
- Familiarity with Metrea operations and aviation program structures
- Strategic vision with entrepreneurial spirit and ability to drive business development
- Experience chairing safety boards or action groups, with proven ability to foster a “just culture”
Additional Eligibility Qualifications - Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and/or Commercial Instrument with Jet Type Ratings, PMP or USG Equivalent
- As a minimum should have a min of 3 years’ experience as PIC in at least on the aircraft the CU operates (CGR14 119.67(a)(2)
- Valid Driver’s License
- Valid Passport
Our Firmware At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes—Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.
Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.
Benefits Comprehensive medical plan options
HSA/FSA accounts
Dental and vision coverage
6% employer 401(k) match
Fully paid parental leave for all new parents
Generous PTO
Life and disability insurance
Long-term and Short-term disability coverage
AD&D Coverage
Pet Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub
Work Authorisation/Security Clearance
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Clearence required at time of hire: Active Secret clearance required at time of hire, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment.
Eligible clearance required: This position requires eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance. U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with federal requirements.
AAP/EEO Statement Legal Entity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.
Work Location Temecula, CA and Moreno Valley, CA
Work Environment This job operates in an office setting
Travel Travel may be required: up to 30%
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Work at office, Monday to Friday, Shift work,