Head of Flight Operations

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$/yr - $/yr

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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”

• 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 one aircraft the CU operates
• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid Passport

• Comprehensive medical plan options
• HSA/FSA accounts
• Dental and vision coverage
• 6%…