Flight Operations Manager

Company Overview Metrea is a defense company dedicated to translating commercial innovation into solutions for the hardest problems in national security. With deep mission expertise, Metrea focuses on delivering effects-as-a-service across Aerospace, Electromagnetic & Cyber, Digital & Synthetic domains via its capability groups. Metrea also consists of six support groups (Operations, People, Finance, Legal, Strategy and Solutions) that guide the development of specific capabilities that Metrea's files (product, projects, programs etc.) leverage to achieve their targets. Group Overview Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities. SAM oversees the integration of new mission systems, ensuring operational readiness across specialized aviation operations. It manages fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships to enhance mission effectiveness. By consolidating expertise and infrastructure, SAM ensures Metrea’s airborne capabilities remain adaptable and mission-ready across dynamic operational environments. Position Summary Reporting to the Head of Flight Operations, the Flight Operations Manager is responsible for the support of current operations, future operations, programs, projects, and processes that directly contribute to the delivery of compliant, safe, reliable, effective, efficient, and evolvable flight operations to meet the requirements of Metrea’s ISR Programs, in accordance with domestic and international aviation regulations, the Metrea Aviation Management System, and Metrea Standard Operating Procedures. The ideal candidate is a professional aviator (Pilot, Weapon System Officer (WSO), Combat System Officer (CSO), Naval Flight Officer (NFO), Fire Control Officer (FCO), Air Battle Manager (ABM), or Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO)) or similar, with Airborne ISR experience (manned and/or remotely piloted). The ideal candidate has a demonstrated record of expertise in operational planning and tactical execution, within the broader context of large, complex, and geographically dislocated flight operations in support of the U.S. Government, allies, and partners. Role and Responsibilities Manage the company’s Flight Operations Center, to ensure shared consciousness across the organization within the context of CONUS/OCONUS flight operations, testing, training, exercising, and emergency response. Manage and coordinate planning and execution for the stand‑up, transition, and termination of ISR programs across the globe, to ensure the right people and capabilities are aligned against the right initiatives at the right time. Manage aircrew scheduling, to ensure qualified aircrew are available to deliver deployable flight operations capabilities at the scale required to meet the demands of the ISR Programs. Manage the aviation management software program (FL3XX), to ensure that all flight operations remain transparent, compliant, and auditable. Manage execution of U.S. Government contracts as a Contractor Responsible Officer (CRO), to ensure compliance with DCMA 8210‑1D. Manage Operational Reporting requirements, to ensure the appropriate level of visibility and awareness on operations within the Capability Area. Manage the coordination, publication, distribution, acknowledgement, and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), to ensure timely and relevant implementation of changes. Manage Flight Operations Manuals, Minimum Equipment Lists, and the Electronic Flight Bag, to ensure compliance with manufacturer guidelines and regulatory requirements. Assist the Head of Flight Operations in generating and posting requisitions, managing the Pilot Record Database program, as well as reviewing resumes and qualifications, to ensure the best people join the company, and are appropriately developed for broader roles in the future. Manage the coordination, scheduling, preparation, and execution of Flight Operations calendar events, to ensure the use of time, resources, attention, and energy are optimized. Facilitate developmental and operational testing of emerging ISR capabilities, to ensure that the company remains an industry leading solution engine. Participate in Safety Review Boards, Safety Action Groups, and the Safety Management System, to ensure the Flight Operations Department remains fully engaged in monitoring the safety performance of the company, implementing actions that improve safety, and constantly assessing acceptable levels of risk and risk mitigation. Responsible for the appropriate level of planning, direction, and control required across the Flight Operations Manager portfolio, to ensure cost, schedule, and performance goals throughout the life cycle of their assigned programs and projects are achieved. Skills and Experience Required Bachelor’s Degree (any discipline); or 8+ years of equivalent experience FAA Commercial Airplane Multi‑Engine Land Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating; or Graduate of U.S. military Pilot, WSO, CSO, NFO, FCO, ABM, or ASO training program 8+ years of operational experience in civil or military aviation, of which at least 4 years should be in a position responsible for the oversight of aircrew 6+ years of civil or military Program and Project Management experience, of which at least 3 years should be from the aviation industry Understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), specifically, 14 CFR 61, 91, 119, and 135 Understanding of Aviation Management Systems, Safety Management Systems (SMS), and Risk Management Frameworks Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Exceptional level of critical thinking, analysis, creativity, problem solving, negotiation, conflict management, and time management Proficiency in external communications tools (Outlook), internal communications tools (Teams), work management tools (), and knowledge/process management tools (SharePoint, Notion, Azure, Lucid) Proficiency in aviation weather, flight planning, flight following tools Preferred Master’s Degree (any discipline) Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Proficiency in FL3XX Aviation Management tools Proficiency in ForeFlight Our Firmware Metrea’s single core value, “rooted in humility,” is supported by four key attributes: entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning, and over‑deliver. These attributes, combined, form our Teammate Firmware, our culture. We explore these attributes during the hiring process when we grow our teams and continually support the growth of our culture. We are a hyper‑collaborative, dynamically hierarchical organization united by a passion for what we do, how we do it, who we do it with, and who we do it for. Benefits Medical insurance options Dental and vision insurance Retirement plan eligibility Parental leave Work Authorization / Security Clearance Current U.S. Passport required Current U.S. driver’s license required Current U.S. Secret (or higher) security clearance required AAP/EEO Statement Metrea Special Aerospace, ISR Inc. 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 Tampa, FL Work Environment This job predominantly operates in an office setting, with occasional operation out of the company hangars. Travel Less than 10% #J-18808-Ljbffr Metrea