Flight Operations Observer

PDS Tech Commercial; Seattle (WA); Remote; USD 77,000 - 110,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-based position when not on site

Global travel opportunities

Competitive compensation

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a seasoned aviation professional for a Flight Operations Observer role. You will observe flight deck and simulator operations, collect critical data, and provide insights to improve safety and training for airline customers worldwide.

The position is remote with international travel, offering a contract length of 12 months and on-call schedule. Candidates should bring extensive airline experience and strong Excel/data reporting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related aviation experience.
• Master's degree and 3+ years of related experience.
• PhD and related experience or equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

• Observe flight deck and simulator operations worldwide.
• Collect, document, and analyze aviation safety data.
• Prepare and review operational documentation for deployments.
• Deliver daily feedback and reports to leadership.
• Maintain Excel-based reporting and records.
• Travel for deployments up to three weeks at a time.

Skills

Operational aviation

Flight deck observations

Data analysis

Excel

Communication

Global travel

Customer interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree + 5+ years

Master's degree + 3+ years

PhD + related experience

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Take Flight with Your Expertise: Become a Flight Operations Observer

Shape the Future of Aviation Safety from the Flight Deck

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a global leader in the aviation industry to hire experienced aviation professionals for an exciting Flight Operations Observer (FOO) opportunity. If you're a seasoned airline captain, instructor, or examiner with a passion for operational excellence and aviation safety, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to safety enhancement initiatives across the globe.

In this position, you will conduct flight deck and simulator observations, collect critical operational data, and provide valuable insights that help improve safety, compliance, and training effectiveness for airline customers worldwide.

Position Details

Job Title: Flight Operations Observer (FOO)

Job Type: Contract (12 Months), On-Call

Location: Remote

Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift | 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Pay Rate: Starting at $67.78 per hour

What You'll Do

As a member of the Airline Operations Safety Support (AOSS) Team, you will play a critical role in observing and evaluating real-world airline operations and training environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare for customer deployments through comprehensive review of airline policies, procedures, and operational documentation

• Travel to customer locations worldwide to conduct flight deck jumpseat and full-flight simulator observations

• Collect, document, and analyze operational data supporting aviation safety and compliance initiatives

• Complete detailed observation checklists and provide supporting references from customer operations manuals

• Deliver accurate daily feedback and reporting to Company Leads and Co-Leads

• Participate in internal team discussions and contribute evidence-based operational assessments

• Maintain accurate records and complete Excel-based reporting requirements

• Represent yourself and the organization professionally while interacting with airline customers and aviation personnel

• Follow established procedures and direction from leadership throughout deployment activities

• Support ongoing efforts to enhance global aviation safety through objective operational observations

Required Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10 years of operational experience in commercial aviation

• Previous experience serving as:

• Airline Captain

• Pilot Instructor

• Check Airman

• Examiner

• Or equivalent senior flight operations role

• Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License (current currency not required)

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills

• Ability to work effectively with customers and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to procedural compliance

• Ability to travel globally for assignments lasting up to three weeks at a time

• Must reside within one hour of a major U.S. airport

• Commitment to following established policies, procedures, and safety standards

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related experience, or

• Master's degree and 3+ years of related experience, or

• PhD and related experience, or

• An equivalent combination of education and professional aviation experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous airline operational audit or safety observation experience

• Experience working with commercial airline training departments

• Background in flight standards, safety management systems (SMS), or regulatory compliance

• Experience working with global carriers and international flight operations

• Advanced Excel and data reporting skills

• OEM or aircraft manufacturer experience

Why Join Us?

Make a Global Impact on Aviation Safety

Your expertise won't just support airline operations, it will help improve safety practices for flight crews around the world.

Work with Industry Leaders

Collaborate with some of the most respected professionals in commercial aviation while supporting programs that influence operational excellence across multiple airlines and regions.

Unique Access and Insight

Gain unparalleled visibility into airline operations through direct flight deck and simulator observations, contributing to meaningful safety improvements across the industry.

Competitive Compensation

• Starting pay of $67.78 per hour

• Remote-based position when not deployed

• Opportunity for global travel and industry exposure

• Valuable experience with a world-renowned aviation organization

• Professional networking with aviation leaders and subject matter experts

Bring Your Expertise Beyond the Cockpit

Leverage your years of operational knowledge in a role that values your judgment, experience, and commitment to aviation excellence.

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $67.78 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance