About This Role
Metrea is hiring a Flight Operations Lead Captain within its Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB), the area that develops and delivers the company's aerial refueling (AAR) capability and sustains the tanker fleet. The role blends flight-operations leadership with line flying: it oversees and standardizes pilots, supports the Head of Flight Operations on administrative and operational tasks, and upholds the safety, proficiency, and FAA regulatory compliance of the operation. In addition, the postholder flies as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of Metrea Strategic Mobility's KC-135 tanker aircraft, exercising final authority for safe, compliant mission execution — leading crews through all phases of flight, conducting mission planning and aeronautical decision-making within the Safety Management System, and completing post-flight duties while keeping all qualifications, training, and currency current. The position is based in Temecula and Moreno Valley, California, with roughly 30% travel.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Own the Pilot Records Database (PRD) process to determine crew-member hiring eligibility
- act as a liaison between crew members and other managers
- plan and modify routes for company aircraft in operations as needed
- maintain an adequate roster of properly qualified, current, and available pilots to meet company requirements
- ensure each pilot assigned to flight duty meets the applicable requirements and that certification is maintained in the crew member's record
- monitor pilot currency and legality and remove any pilot from the schedule before a qualification requirement expires
- serve as PIC on KC-135 operations in accordance with all applicable provisions and regulations
- adhere to company Flight Operation Procedures (FOPs), Ground Operation Procedures (GOPs), FAA regulations, and Safety Notices
- maintain all currencies, qualifications, and advanced systems knowledge for the MSM KC-135 tanker fleet
- and carry out additional duties assigned by the Head of Flight Operations.
What We Offer
Comprehensive medical plan options with HSA/FSA accountsdental and vision coveragea 6% employer 401(k) matchfully paid parental leave for all new parentsgenerous PTOlife and disability insurance, including long-term, short-term, and AD&D coveragepet insurancean Employee Assistance Programand a subsidized gym membership/plan through Wellhub.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or a related field, or 10 years of equivalent experience.
- FAA ATP Multi-Engine Land certificate with B-707/B-720 type ratings, with a Restricted ATP permissible.
- Extensive KC-135 flight experience.
- Thorough, current knowledge of applicable FAA regulations, Metrea manuals, and all related policies and procedures.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills, excellent communication and presentation abilities, and knowledge of ForeFlight.
- Previous USAF Instructor and Evaluator certification on the KC-135 is desired.
- Valid driver's license and US passport.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance throughout employment, and able to comply with export-control regulations (ITAR/EAR).