Lead Training ARO

Metrea; Temecula (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Metrea seeks an experienced ARO trainer for KC-135 operations in Temecula, CA. You will design and deliver comprehensive training programs, ensure regulatory and company standards compliance, and mentor instructor AROs while overseeing simulators and flight training resources.

The role requires extensive KC-135 flight experience and a track record as an instructor/evaluator, with clearance to work in a high-security environment. Join a mission-focused team in the Air Mobility Group.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10 years of KC-135 boom operator experience.
• Current FAA Class 2 Medical.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain Top Secret clearance.
• 2500 total flight hours.
• 250 IB/EB hours.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement initial, recurrent, and specialized ARO training programs.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, ICAO, and company standards.
• May conduct instruction in the aircraft.
• Conduct evaluations and audits to maintain training effectiveness.
• Mentor and supervise instructor AROs.
• Manage simulator and flight training resources.
• Integrate SMS and risk management practices into training.
• Stay current with advancements in aviation training and technology.
• Pre-flight, through-flight, and post-flight inspections, checklists, and documentation.
• Computing/loading weight and balance data.
• Safely and effectively transferring fuel from MSM tanker aircraft (MPRS, BDA, Boom) to contracted receiver aircraft during flight.
• Operational checks of Air Refueling equipment (to include onboard camera/recording systems).
• Maintain Situational Awareness (SA) and use Crew Resource Management (CRM) throughout all phases of flight.
• Adhere to company Flight Operation Procedures (FOP’s), Ground Operation Procedures (GOP’s), and Safety Notices.

Skills

KC-135 flight experience

Leadership

Communication

LMS familiarity

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management

USAF Instructor certification KC-135

Tools

LMS

Training software

Flight simulators

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.

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)

Air Mobility Group (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

In this role you will be responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive ARO training programs for KC-135 operations. This role ensures compliance with aviation regulations, oversees simulator and flight training, and mentors instructor AROs to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency. This role may require you to maintain flight currency and instruct ground and inflight ARO duties aboard a KC-135R and/or C-135FR aircraft.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement initial, recurrent, and specialized ARO training programs.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, ICAO, and company standards.
• May conduct instruction in the aircraft.
• Conduct evaluations and audits to maintain training effectiveness.
• Mentor and supervise instructor AROs.
• Manage simulator and flight training resources.
• Integrate SMS and risk management practices into training.
• Stay current with advancements in aviation training and technology.
• Pre-flight, through-flight, and post-flight inspections, checklists, and documentation.
• Computing/loading weight and balance data.
• Safely and effectively transferring fuel from MSM tanker aircraft (MPRS, BDA, Boom) to contracted receiver aircraft during flight.
• Operational checks of Air Refueling equipment (to include onboard camera/recording systems).
• Maintain Situational Awareness (SA) and use Crew Resource Management (CRM) throughout all phases of flight.
• Adhere to company Flight Operation Procedures (FOP’s), Ground Operation Procedures (GOP’s), and Safety Notices.

What You’ll Bring

• Extensive KC-135 flight experience and instructor/evaluator background.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Familiarity with LMS and training software.
• 10 years as a KC-135 Boom Operator
• Must be able to accomplish all duties with little or no assistance. Must have good command of the English language; oral and written.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field or equivalent experience.
• Previous USAF Instructor and Evaluator certification for KC-135.
• Valid Driver’s License and US Passport.
• Ability to maintain Secret clearance.
• Maintain all currencies, qualifications, and advanced systems knowledge related to the MSM KC-135 tanker fleet.
• 2500 total hours.
• 250 IB/EB hours.
• Current FAA Class 2 Medical
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Indian travel Visa.

Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes—Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems. Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.

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 a U.S. citizen. Ability to maintain Top Secret clearance throughout employment. Role requires 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 or inflight aboard a KC-135R/RG or C-135FR aircraft.

Travel

30%