Metrea→
Head of Crew Training at Metrea in Temecula, CA
Job Description
Company Overview
Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas. These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and operating turnkey capabilities that give our partners decisive, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats.
Our operating model is built around three interlocking pillars. The Support Groups provide a global shared-service – spanning people, finance, platform, operations, legal, and engagement. This frees up our Core Groups, who develop and own mission capabilities end-to-end, to focus entirely on delivery. The Market Groups apply a regional lens, ensuring that our agile and adaptable capabilities remain aligned to the wicked problems that matter most to our partners across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.
At the heart of our model is a simple but powerful idea: be a true partner with skin in the game. Our partners need effects, not just equipment. By owning the full stack – from the lab to the field – we are able to drive a continuous cycle of innovation that keeps our partners ahead. It's a fast-moving, intellectually demanding environment where talented people are given real responsibility, work on problems that matter, and contribute to an enterprise that is growing quickly and deliberately.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, with facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, as well as Continental Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Group Overview
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 serve as AIRMOBS’s Head of Crew Training, equivalent to an FAA Chief Pilot, EASA Nominated Person for Crew Training, or CASA Head of Training and Checking. You will be successful if you can deliver highly trained, qualified, and competent crews who meet AIRMOB’s mission requirements. Your leadership will ensure compliance with global aviation standards, foster a culture of safety, and drive continuous improvement in training effectiveness.
What You'll Do
- Ensure all flight crew members are properly trained, qualified, and prepared to perform their duties safely
- Design and implement comprehensive training programs for pilots, navigators, and Air Refueling Operators, including initial, recurrent, and specialized training
- Guarantee training programs comply with FAA, ICAO, and other applicable aviation regulations and standards
- Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Recruit, train, and mentor flight instructors, ensuring they remain current with best practices and regulatory requirements
- Manage training resources such as simulators, training aircraft, and other instructional equipment
- Embed SMS and risk management practices into all training programs to uphold the highest safety standards
- Incorporate new technologies, methodologies, and industry advancements to enhance training delivery and outcomes
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Education, Business Administration, or related field
- Proven experience in aviation training coordination, compliance management, or a related discipline
- Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and standards (FAA, ICAO, EASA, CASA)
- Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and training software
- Extensive knowledge of aviation safety management policies and practices, particularly for KC‑135 and air‑to‑air refueling operations
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for briefings, presentations, and customer engagement
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across diverse teams
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in aviation, education, or technical discipline)
- Experience leading training programs in military or complex aviation environments
- Demonstrated success in strategic thinking, team building, and conflict resolution
- Familiarity with cutting‑edge training technologies and methodologies
- High level of discretion, confidentiality, and professional integrity
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Current US Passport.
- Must hold, or previously held, an Instructor/Evaluator certification for KC-135 Aircraft.
- Valid Pilot License - ATP Multi-Engine Land with B-707 Type Rating (Restricted ATP is permissible)
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 Authorization / Security Clearance
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Clearance required at time of hire: Active Secret clearance required at time of hire, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment
- Position may require passing a government-administered background check
- Employment is contingent on meeting all clearance and adjudication requirements
AAP/EEO Statement
This Company 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. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 40 hours per week with approval from the department manager
Work Environment
This job operates in an office setting
Travel
Travel may be required up to 30%
Base Pay Range
The compensation range shown below is a good faith estimate and reflects the expected base pay for this position upon hire. This is just one component of Metrea's overall approach to total rewards and final compensation decisions, including the ultimate salary or hourly rate agreed upon, may vary depending on factors such as job location, job-specific knowledge, skills, experience, and the overall negotiated compensation package. Eligible full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Our Firmware
At Metrea, our single core value is Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes are 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.