Company Overview: Metrea
Metrea functions as a cutting-edge service provider, delivering effects-as-a-service to national security partners across key domains. The organization specializes in vertically integrated capabilities, including airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, secure communications, special mission aviation, and critical aerial firefighting services (AFF).
Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea operates globally, connecting innovative design with critical operational effect to ensure partners achieve strategic, asymmetric advantage against dynamic threats. The company’s solutions are defined by their elegance: effective, efficient, and continuously evolving.
Group Overview: Special Air Missions Group (SAM)
The Special Air Missions Group is tasked with developing and executing Metrea’s core airborne capabilities, including ISR, Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF). SAM maintains operational readiness through rigorous fleet management, regulatory compliance, and the strategic integration of specialized mission systems. The Group ensures Metrea’s airborne assets are adaptable and mission-ready across diverse and challenging operational environments.
Position Summary
The Aerial Firefighting Line Pilot is a highly skilled and motivated professional responsible for delivering safe, effective, and efficient multi-mission airtanker operations within a multi-crew environment. This critical role necessitates specialized experience in aerial firefighting, particularly in multi-engine long-term retardant application. DHC-8 tactical and low-level experience is highly desirable.
The Line Pilot reports directly to the Aerial Firefighting Head of Flight Operations and is instrumental in operational execution, ensuring strict adherence to all FAA and organizational safety standards globally. While the position is functionally remote and requires extensive travel and deployment, the incumbent must maintain a professional demeanor and represent Metrea’s core values to all customers and coworkers.
Core Responsibilities and Accountabilities
The Aerial Firefighting Line Pilot’s duties encompass comprehensive flight execution, safety compliance, documentation, and operational development:
- Ensures all facets of trip planning, including weather analysis, navigation, facilities assessment, aircraft airworthiness, performance calculations, and security considerations, are conducted strictly in accordance with FAA Regulations, the Company Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, and Standard Operating Procedures.
- When assigned as Pilot in Command (PIC), retains full responsibility for the safety of all crewmembers, aircraft contents, and the airplane during all phases of flight.
- Conducts thorough aircraft pre-flight, cockpit, and post-flight checks strictly aligned with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and organizational Standard Operating Procedures.
- Completes and submits all required post-flight documentation, including accurate flight logs, maintenance discrepancy reports, billing receipts, and necessary FAA reports.
- Actively participates in Metrea’s Aviation Safety and Management System (SMS) by identifying, reporting, and mitigating potential hazards and quality issues.
- Collaborates effectively with company schedulers, clients, and aircrew to facilitate smooth trip execution and operational logistics.
- Supports the Head of Flight Operations in ensuring all administrative paperwork and daily operational tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
- Assists in the development and continuous refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) related to AFF operations.
- Achieves and maintains all necessary licensing and endorsements required by the governing aviation authority in the jurisdiction of operation.
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by higher authority.
Skills, Experience, and Qualifications
Candidates must demonstrate exceptional proficiency and a commitment to operational excellence:
Essential Requirements:
- A minimum of 200 hours of documented flying experience in an aerial firefighting capacity.
- Possession of an FAA multi-engine Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license with an Instrument rating, or an equivalent unrestricted EASA license with a valid medical certificate.
- A minimum of 500 hours as Pilot In Command (PIC) in an Airplane, including at least 100 hours of night time and 75 hours of instrument time.
- At least 100 hours of Pilot In Command (PIC) experience within the preceding twelve months.
- Must possess the capability to successfully receive a Canadian Foreign License Validation Certificate (FLVC).
- Exceptional proficiency in the English language, both spoken and written, is mandatory.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and adapt to changing operational needs in highly stressful or adverse situations.
Highly Desired Attributes:
- Previous experience in Aerial Firefighting (AFF) utilizing large aircraft, particularly experience with turbo-prop models (e.g., DHC-8 or similar) delivering long-term fire retardant.
- Fluency in additional languages is considered advantageous.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamically hierarchical, fast-paced environment with limited direct supervision.
- Diligently attends to details and pursues quality in accomplishing missions/tasks.
Metrea Teammate Firmware and Culture
Metrea’s culture, or “Teammate Firmware,” is founded upon a single core value: rooted in humility. This value is supported by four critical attributes: entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning, and over-deliver. The organization promotes a hyper-collaborative environment, united by a passion for mission delivery and disciplined execution.
Benefits and Logistics
- Comprehensive medical insurance options, dental, and vision insurance.
- Eligibility for company retirement plan.
- Parental leave benefits.
- Work Environment: Aircraft/Operational deployment sites.
- Travel: This role requires extensive domestic and international travel and deployment.