Head of Flight Operations

Company Overview 

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. 

 
This role sits within 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 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. 

What You’ll Do
 

• 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

What You’ll bring 

Must Haves

• 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