Lead Training Captain

Pilot Training Program Manager

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areasincluding 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 capabilitydesigning, 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 fieldwhat 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 sits within the Air Mobility area of Metrea.

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB)

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 be responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive pilot training programs for KC-135 operations. This role ensures compliance with aviation regulations, oversees simulator and flight training, and mentors instructor pilots to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency. In addition to these responsibilities, the position also serves as a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of Metrea Strategic Mobility's KC-135 tanker aircraft. In this capacity, the individual exercises final authority for the safe and compliant operation of assigned missions, leads flight crews through all phases of flight, and ensures strict adherence to FAA regulations, company policies, operational specifications, and contractual requirements. PIC responsibilities include mission planning and execution, sound aeronautical decision-making consistent with the SMS, and the completion of post-flight duties. The role requires maintaining all required qualifications, training, certifications, and currency, and performing additional flight-related duties as assigned.

What You'll Do

• Design and implement initial, recurrent, and specialized pilot training programs. Ensure compliance with FAA, ICAO, and company standards.
• Conduct instruction in the aircraft.
• Conduct evaluations and audits to maintain training effectiveness.
• Mentor and supervise instructor pilots.
• Manage simulator and flight training resources.
• Integrate SMS and risk management practices into training.
• Stay current with advancements in aviation training and technology.
• Provide ground, simulator, and inflight instruction aboard a KC-135R/RG and C-135FR aircraft as appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate flight currencies in the KC-135R/RG and C-135FR as appropriate.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field or equivalent experience.
• Extensive KC-135 flight experience and instructor/evaluator background.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with LMS and training software.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• ATP Multi-Engine Land with B-707/B-720 Type Ratings
• Previous USAF Instructor certification for KC-135
• Current Certified Flight Instructor Instrument and AMEL Instructor.
• Valid Driver's License and US Passport.
• Ability to maintain a Secret clearance.

Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributesEntrepreneurial, 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
• Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub
• Work Authorization / Security Clearance
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to maintain Secret clearance throughout employment.
• Role requires adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).
• 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.

Work Location

Temecula and Moreno Valley, CA

Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting and aboard an inflight KC-135R/RG and C-135FR aircraft.

Travel

30%