Metrea, LLC | DHC8 Pilot

Company Overview: Metrea

Metrea is a leading provider of effects-as-a-service to national security partners, operating across five domains and specializing in over a dozen critical mission areas, including airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. The organization excels in building vertically integrated, full-stack capabilities, closing the gap between design and effect by uniting operators and engineers. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea maintains global facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

Special Air Missions Group (SAM)

The Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s core capabilities in ISR, Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF). SAM oversees the critical integration of new mission systems, ensures stringent operational readiness, manages fleet maintenance, enforces regulatory compliance, and strategically enhances mission effectiveness through vital partnerships. The Group guarantees that Metrea’s airborne capabilities remain adaptable and mission-ready within dynamic operational theaters.

Position Summary

Metrea seeks highly skilled and exceptionally motivated Line Pilots to join its dynamic Aerial Firefighting (AFF) team. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in aerial firefighting, specifically involving multi-engine, long-term retardant application. Tactical and low-level experience, particularly with DHC-8 aircraft, is highly desirable. This critical role ensures the safe, effective, and efficient execution of multi-mission airtanker operations within a multi-crew environment, reporting directly to the Aerial Firefighting Head of Flight Operations.

The AFF Line Pilot is responsible for comprehensive flight planning, meticulous aircraft pre-flight inspections, and essential coordination with company schedulers, clients, and aircrew to ensure seamless trip execution. Beyond operational flying duties, the Line Pilot supports the development and continuous refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), participates proactively in Metrea’s robust Aviation Safety and Management System, and consistently upholds the organization’s core values with colleagues and clientele.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The Aerial Firefighting Line Pilot performs critical functions necessary for global operational readiness and mission delivery:

• Ensures all facets of trip planning—including weather analysis, navigation, facilities assessment, aircraft airworthiness, performance calculations, security compliance, and customer request fulfillment—are conducted strictly in accordance with FAA Regulations, the Company Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures, and all Company Policies.
• When operating the aircraft, maintains full responsibility for the safety and security of the crewmembers, mission contents, and the airframe.
• Conducts all pre-flight, cockpit, and post-flight checks meticulously, adhering to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), Standard Operating Procedures, and the Company Operations Manual.
• Completes and submits all required post-flight documentation accurately, including flight logs, maintenance discrepancy reports, billing receipts, and required FAA reports.
• Proactively engages in safety and quality systems by identifying, reporting, and mitigating hazards; provides timely input to management to address and resolve quality and safety issues.
• Ensures strict adherence to safety standards by aircrew and maintenance personnel during all operational and maintenance activities.
• When assigned as Pilot in Command (PIC), may delegate specific functions to other crewmembers but retains absolute and full responsibility for the flight.
• Delivers safe, effective, and highly efficient aerial firefighting operations to customers worldwide.
• Maintains requisite licensing and endorsements applicable to the aviation authority overseeing operations in the assigned jurisdiction.
• Presents a professional, courteous, proactive, and attentive demeanor at all times, demonstrating exceptional communication skills and collaborating effectively within a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Required Qualifications and Experience (SEO Focus: ATP, DHC-8, AFF)

Essential Experience and Licensing

• A minimum of 200 hours of verifiable flying experience in an aerial firefighting capacity (AFF).
• Possession of an FAA Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license with Instrument rating, or an equivalent EASA unrestricted license with a valid medical certificate.
• A minimum of 500 hours as Pilot In Command (PIC) of an Airplane.
• At least 100 hours of night flight time.
• A minimum of 75 hours of instrument flight time.
• At least 100 hours PIC accrued within the preceding twelve months.
• The ability to successfully obtain a Canadian Foreign License Validation Certificate.
• Exceptional proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for effective communication in a multi-crew, international environment.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Previous experience in Aerial Firefighting (AFF) utilizing large aircraft, particularly high-performance turboprops (such as the DHC-8 or similar platforms) for retardant delivery is a significant advantage.
• Fluency in additional languages is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving operational environment with limited direct supervision.
• Must successfully complete the required Flight training program and demonstrate immediate proficiency with all job requirements.
• Maintains composure and effectiveness in highly stressful or adverse situations, promoting cooperation and organizational commitment.

Work Environment and Culture

This is a full-time position requiring extensive domestic and international travel, operating primarily from company aircraft in a remote capacity. Daily working hours and shifts will vary based on critical mission needs. Metrea’s culture, or “Teammate Firmware,” is rooted in humility and supported by attributes that are entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning, and dedicated to over-delivery. Metrea is a hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical organization united by a shared passion for mission success.

Benefits and EEO Statement

Metrea offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options, retirement plan eligibility, and parental leave.

Metrea Aerial Affects (AFF) 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.