Metrea | Captain

Position Overview

A leading defense company dedicated to national security, Metrea seeks a highly skilled and experienced Pilot in Command (PIC) to join the Special Air Missions Group (SAM). This crucial full-time role involves operating advanced turbo-prop aircraft, primarily the King Air 200/300 series, executing critical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions across demanding operational environments in the UK and Europe.

The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, technical proficiency, and a steadfast commitment to safety while performing complex missions under varying conditions.

The Organization

Metrea

Metrea specializes in translating commercial innovation into impactful defense solutions, delivering 'effects-as-a-service' across Aerospace, Electromagnetic & Cyber, and Digital & Synthetic domains. The company is guided by six dedicated support groups (Operations, People, Finance, Legal, Strategy, and Solutions), ensuring the strategic capability groups are equipped to meet national security targets.

Special Air Missions Group (SAM)

The SAM Group is central to Metrea's airborne capabilities, responsible for the development and delivery of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities. SAM ensures operational readiness across specialized aviation operations by overseeing the integration of new mission systems, managing fleet maintenance, guaranteeing regulatory compliance, and fostering strategic partnerships. SAM ensures Metrea’s airborne capabilities remain adaptable and mission-ready across dynamic operational environments.

Key Responsibilities of the Pilot in Command

The Pilot in Command holds full responsibility for the safe, effective, and efficient execution of all assigned flight duties, maintaining strict adherence to UK CAA, EASA policies, and internal MAFX Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Serve as Pilot in Command for King Air 200/300 series turbo-prop aircraft, strictly complying with EASA, CAA, customer, and company directives.
• Execute complex Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) flight profiles during day, night, and all-weather conditions (within established safety parameters).
• Conduct comprehensive flight planning, execute mandated aircraft pre-flight checks, and coordinate effectively with Air Traffic Control (ATC), Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), Company Site Leads, and mission aircrews.
• Maintain continuous situational awareness by expertly monitoring airspace, meteorological conditions, radio communications, mission flight boundaries, and all critical aircraft systems.
• Efficiently identify, troubleshoot, and perform required corrective actions for aircraft system malfunctions, prioritizing safety and mission success.
• Successfully conduct flight operations from remote or austere locations, including potentially unimproved runways, demonstrating resilience and operational adaptability.
• Ensure the meticulous completion of all safety-of-flight documentation in full accordance with applicable industry, EASA, and CAA standards.

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Total Flight Time: Minimum 1,000 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
• Turboprop Time: A minimum of 300 PIC hours specifically in multi-engine, turboprop aircraft.
• Education: Candidates must hold a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. A-Levels or equivalent further education qualifications are highly desirable.

Required Licenses and Compliance

• Possession of a UK CAA-issued EASA or Part-FCL Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), inclusive of multi-engine and instrument ratings.
• Must hold and maintain a currently valid UK Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• Possession of a valid UK or EU passport is mandatory for deployment requirements.
• The candidate must consent to full pilot records access and security background checks in accordance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and company compliance policies.

Employment Logistics and Culture

This is a full-time position. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required training, background checks, and security clearances. Working hours and shift patterns will vary in line with dynamic operational demands to support mission effectiveness.

Work Location and Deployment

The role involves rotational deployments within Europe, comprising mixed deployment lengths on assignment followed by a similar period off rotation, utilizing the UK as the principal home base of operations. During deployment, the employee may be living under field conditions and must be prepared to work with minimal supervision in austere, arduous, and remote environments.

Our Culture

Metrea’s core value is "rooted in humility," supported by four key attributes: entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning, and over-deliver. These attributes form our Teammate Firmware, defining a culture that is hyper-collaborative and dynamically hierarchical, uniting individuals who are passionate about their contributions to national security.