Aerial Firefighting Line Pilot
Location: Remote (Washington, DC, US administrative base) | Extensive Domestic and International Travel Required
Employment Type: Full-Time
Requisition ID: 2097
Salary Range: $100,000.00 to $200,000.00 Annually
Company Overview: Metrea
Metrea is a globally recognized provider of effects-as-a-service to national security partners, delivering vertically integrated, full-stack solutions across five domains. The organization’s capabilities span critical mission areas including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, special mission aviation, and aerial firefighting (AFF). Metrea distinguishes itself by connecting design with effect, ensuring that operators and engineers collaborate closely to close the gap between lab innovation and operational field deployment. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea maintains operational facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Group Overview: Special Air Missions Group (SAM)
The Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and executing Metrea’s specialized aviation operations, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities. SAM ensures operational readiness by overseeing the integration of advanced mission systems, managing fleet maintenance, guaranteeing regulatory compliance, and establishing strategic partnerships essential for enhancing mission effectiveness. By consolidating specialized expertise and infrastructure, SAM ensures Metrea's airborne capabilities are highly adaptable and mission-ready in dynamic operational environments.
Position Summary: Aerial Firefighting Line Pilot
Metrea is seeking highly skilled and motivated Aerial Firefighting (AFF) Line Pilots to conduct safe, effective, and efficient multi-mission airtanker operations within a demanding multi-crew environment. The Line Pilot reports directly to the Aerial Firefighting Head of Flight Operations and is a critical component in the delivery of essential aerial firefighting services globally.
The ideal candidate possesses significant experience in aerial firefighting, specifically involving the application of long-term retardant utilizing multi-engine aircraft. Tactical and low-level experience, particularly with DHC-8 or similar large turbo prop platforms, is highly desirable.
Beyond operational flying duties, the Line Pilot plays an active role in continuous operational improvement, supporting the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). The Pilot is also expected to participate proactively in Metrea’s robust Aviation Safety and Management System (SMS) and consistently represent the company's core values to both colleagues and customers.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities
The Aerial Firefighting Line Pilot is responsible for comprehensive mission execution, strict regulatory compliance, and upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism:
- Deliver safe, effective, and efficient aerial firefighting operations to customers across global theaters.
- Execute meticulous flight planning, ensuring all facets of trip execution—including weather analysis, navigation, facilities assessment, aircraft airworthiness, aircraft performance calculations, and security—are conducted in rigorous adherence to FAA Regulations, the Company Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures, and Company Policies.
- Perform all required pre-flight, cockpit, and post-flight checks strictly in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), SOPs, and the Company Operations Manual.
- When assigned as Pilot in Command (PIC), assume full responsibility for the safety of all crewmembers, contents, and the aircraft, retaining ultimate authority even when delegating specific functions to other crewmembers.
- Complete and submit all requisite post-flight documentation accurately, including flight logs, maintenance discrepancy reports, billing receipts, and required FAA reports.
- Participate proactively in safety and quality systems by identifying, reporting, and mitigating potential hazards and quality issues, providing timely input to management.
- Assist the Aerial Firefighting Head of Flight Operations with ensuring all administrative paperwork and daily tasks are completed promptly and in accordance with applicable industry and FAA standards.
- Ensure all aircrew and maintenance personnel comply fully with safety standards during the operation or maintenance of company aircraft.
- Achieve and maintain all necessary licensing and endorsements applicable to the aviation authority overseeing operations in the assigned jurisdiction.
- Perform additional duties and/or special projects as assigned by higher authority.
Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications
The successful candidate must possess a strong foundation in aviation safety and complex multi-engine operations, meeting the following minimum standards:
Aviation Experience Requirements:
- Minimum of 500 hours Pilot In Command (PIC) time in Airplane operations.
- Minimum of 100 hours of night flying time.
- Minimum of 75 hours of instrument flying time.
- Minimum of 100 hours of PIC time acquired within the last twelve months.
- Essential: Documented flying experience in an aerial firefighting capacity (greater than 200 hours).
Licensing and Certification:
- FAA Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license with an Instrument rating, OR equivalent unrestricted EASA license with a valid medical certificate.
- Must be capable of receiving a Canadian Foreign License Validation Certificate (FLVC).
- Ability to successfully complete the company's Flight Training Program, demonstrating proficiency with all job requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in Aerial Firefighting (AFF) utilizing large aircraft.
- Turbo prop experience (e.g., DHC-8 or similar platform) delivering retardant is highly advantageous.
General Competencies:
- Exceptional proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory. Fluency in other languages is desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and effectiveness in highly stressful or adverse situations.
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Ability to thrive with limited supervision, adapting readily to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
- Must possess the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Commitment to presenting a professional, courteous, proactive, and attentive manner at all times.
Metrea Teammate Firmware and Culture
Metrea operates under a single core value—"rooted in humility"—supported by four key attributes that form the Teammate Firmware: entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning, and over-deliver. The organization fosters a hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical environment united by a shared passion for mission execution and excellence.
Benefits and Employment Information
- Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, retirement plan eligibility, and parental leave.
- Work Environment: Primarily aircraft-based, requiring extensive domestic and international travel.
- Work Authorization: As required for operations.
Metrea Aerial Effects (AFF) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.