Flight Operations Lead Nav

Metrea; Temecula (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical plan options

6% employer 401(k) match

Fully paid parental leave

Generous PTO

Life and disability insurance

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Metrea is seeking a Flight Operations Lead Navigator in Temecula to ensure operational excellence and regulatory compliance for flight operations. This full-time position offers a pivotal role in developing comprehensive navigator training programs for KC-135 operations and requires exceptional leadership skills.

The candidate will be responsible for mentoring and ensuring safety and proficiency of NSOs while adhering to FAA regulations. Benefits include comprehensive medical plans and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• High knowledge of FAA, Company Manuals, and related policies and procedures.
• Previous military Instructor and Evaluator certification for KC-135 desired.
• Valid Driver’s License and Passport.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a liaison between crew members and managers.
• Plans and modifies routes for company aircraft.
• Ensures compliance with FAA and company standards.

Skills

FAA knowledge

KC-135 flight experience

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Communication abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management or related field

Tools

Foreflight

LMS and training software

Job description

Company Overview

Metrea delivers effects‑as‑a‑service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas—including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability—designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field—what we call connecting design with effect. Metrea’s solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond. This role sits within the Air Mobility area of Metrea.

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB)

AIRMOB is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission‑ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions.

Position Summary

The Flight Operations Lead Navigator is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring operational excellence, safety, and regulatory compliance of our flight operations. Additionally, the role involves developing and delivering comprehensive navigator training programs for KC‑135 operations. This position requires exceptional leadership skills and in‑depth knowledge of FAA regulations, maintaining Metrea’s flight operations and safety standards. The Lead Navigator mentors NSOs to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency.

What You’ll Do

• Acts as a liaison between crew members and other managers.
• Plans and modifies routes for company aircraft in operations.
• Maintains an adequate roster of properly qualified, current, and available NROs to meet company requirements.
• Ensures compliance with FAA, ICAO, and company standards.
• Conducts instruction in the aircraft.
• Conducts evaluations and audits to maintain training effectiveness.
• Ensures each NSO assigned to flight duty meets applicable requirements and that certifications are maintained in the crew member’s record.
• Monitors NSO currency and legality, removing any NSO from the schedule before expiration of any applicable qualification requirement.
• Serves as NSO in KC‑135 operations, adhering to all applicable provisions and regulations.
• Adheres to company Flight Operation Procedures (FOPs), Ground Operation Procedures (GOPs), FAA regulations, and Safety Notices.
• Maintains all currencies, qualifications, and advanced systems knowledge related to the MSM KC‑135 tanker fleet.
• Performs duties as assigned by Head of Flight Operations.

What You’ll Bring

• High knowledge of FAA, Company Manuals, and related policies and procedures.
• Extensive KC‑135 flight experience and instructor/evaluator background.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Sets a high standard for providing world‑class air refueling.
• Knowledgeable on the use of Foreflight.
• Familiarity with LMS and training software.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management or related field or equivalent experience.
• Previous military Instructor and Evaluator certification for KC‑135 desired.
• Valid Driver’s License and Passport.
• Ability to maintain a Secret clearance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plan options
• HSA/FSA accounts
• Dental and vision coverage
• 6% employer 401(k) match
• Fully paid parental leave for all new parents
• Generous PTO
• Life and disability insurance
• Long‑term and Short‑term disability coverage
• AD&D Coverage
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position requires eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance. Candidates will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with federal requirements. Role may require adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR). Employment is contingent on meeting all clearance and adjudication requirements.

AAP/EEO Statement

This Company 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.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full‑time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on‑call and available, as business needs require.

Work Location

Temecula and Moreno Valley, CA

Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting and aboard C‑135FR aircraft.

Travel

30%