23 April 2026

McKee Food Corporation | EMB 135/145 First Officer

First Officer

Location: Wilson Air Center Chattanooga (CHA), Chattanooga, TN

Job Category: Aviation

Requisition Number: R0033480

Position Overview

McKee Foods, the home of Little Debbie, Drake’s Cakes, and Sunbelt Bakery, is seeking a professional First Officer to join the aviation team. This role serves as a vital partner to the Captain, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations while delivering exceptional service to company employees and guests.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as Pilot Monitoring, managing flight instruments, radio communications, and navigation.
  • Assist in flight planning, including weather analysis, fuel calculation, and aircraft performance data.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and local airport guidelines.
  • Perform comprehensive pre-flight and post-flight inspections.
  • Deliver high-quality customer service to all passengers.
  • Coordinate ground logistics, including transportation, fueling, and hangar services.
  • Maintain accurate aircraft logbooks, flight records, and expense reports.
  • Contribute to the Safety Management System (SMS) and participate in company safety meetings.

Compensation and Schedule

Salary: $98,700 - $133,500 per year (Salaried grade 11 or 13), commensurate with experience and performance. This position is classified as exempt.

Schedule: 1st Shift (Sunday – Friday). Hours vary based on business needs, with an expectation of flying approximately three days per week.

Required Qualifications

  • Associate Degree or 2+ years of college education.
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Cessna Citation CE 500 SIC Type Rating.
  • Minimum 1,500 hours of total flight time.
  • At least 1 year of professional pilot experience.
  • Proficiency in aviation-related iPad applications and Google Workspace.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, business periodicals, and government regulations.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent math aptitude.
  • In-depth knowledge of business aviation, including FARs and relevant regulations.
  • Physical ability to lift 15–50 pounds regularly and occasionally in excess of 75 pounds.
  • Possession of required close and distance vision abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Four-year college degree.
  • 100 hours of jet experience in aircraft of similar category, class, and type to McKee Foods’ fleet.
  • Experience operating within a structured crew environment.
  • Cessna Citation CE 500 and EMB 145 Type Ratings.

Benefits

  • Competitive weekly pay and profit-sharing cash bonus program.
  • 401(k) with company matching.
  • 25 days of Paid Time Off (inclusive of vacation, holidays, sick, and personal time).
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
  • Life insurance and company-paid short-term and long-term disability.
  • Fully-paid parental leave and mental wellness counseling.
  • Access to on-site health center, pharmacy, and exercise facilities.
  • Tuition reimbursement and credit union access.

McKee Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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