Head of Crew Training
Group Overview
Special Air Missions Group - US (SAM - US) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s ISR, Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities. SAM US oversees the integration of new mission systems, ensuring operational readiness across specialized aviation operations. It manages fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships to enhance mission effectiveness. By consolidating expertise and infrastructure, SAM - US ensures Metrea’s airborne capabilities remain adaptable and mission-ready across dynamic operational environments.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Head of Aerial Firefighting Operations, the Head of Crew Training is responsible for the development, recruitment, selection, qualification, standardization, and continuous improvement of the organization's flight crew training system in support of compliant, safe, reliable, effective, efficient, and evolvable (CSRE³) flight operations.
Within the Metrea Management System, the Head of Crew Training fulfills the role comparable to an AFF Chief Pilot, an EASA Nominated Person for Crew Training, and a CASA Head of Training and Checking. This role is responsible for ensuring pilots, Airborne Mission Operators/Coordinators, and other assigned flight crew members are properly selected, trained, qualified, current, and competent to safely execute Part 137 AFF Operations wherever that standard is accepted by the National Aviation Authority (NAA). It may also be necessary to support third party operators or partners in the execution of their operational approvals e.g. CAR702 in Canada.
The Head of Crew Training leads aircrew recruitment, training, qualification, and standardization programs, manages training resources and records, and ensures training programs remain aligned with regulatory requirements, operational risk, mission requirements, and emerging operational capabilities. The role also supports operational test and evaluation, mission system integration, and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) development to ensure new capabilities are effectively transitioned into operational service.
What You'll Do
Lead the aircrew lifecycle, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, qualification, standardization, and professional development of pilots, Airborne Sensor Operators, and other assigned flight crew members
Establish, implement, and continuously improve aircrew qualification standards, training syllabi, evaluation criteria, and standardization programs that support compliant, safe, reliable, effective, efficient, and evolvable (CSRE³) flight operations
Recruit, develop, and oversee the standardization cadre, ensuring consistent application of training and operational standards and TTP across the organization
Manage enterprise training resources, qualification records, learning management systems, simulators, training aircraft, and other training assets to support operational readiness
Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, audits, operational feedback, qualification trends, and performance metrics, implementing continuous improvement initiatives where appropriate
Promote Safety Management System (SMS) principles and operational risk management throughout all training activities, ensuring training reflects current operational procedures, hazards, and risk mitigation
Lead operational test and evaluation, developmental testing, validation, verification, and TTP development for new aircraft capabilities, mission systems, sensors, and operational concepts, ensuring new capabilities are effectively integrated into operational training and standardization
Coordinate Flight Operations, Safety, Compliance, Security, Maintenance, the Continuous Airworthiness Management Organization, the Aerospace Engineering Group, the People Group, and operational leadership to ensure aircrew readiness, workforce planning, and training programs remain aligned with organizational priorities and operational requirements. This applies to both Metrea as well as appropriate partner or third party organizations
What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aviation Management, Education, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent operational aviation leadership experience
Commercial Aircraft Multi-Engine Land Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating, appropriate aircraft type ratings, and qualifications required to serve as a Pilot-in-Command and Standardization Captain in DHC8-300 aircraft
Minimum five years of aviation leadership experience, including at least two years in flight crew training, standardization, or operational leadership
Demonstrated experience leading aerial firefighting crew recruitment, selection, qualification, instructor development, and enterprise training programs
Practical experience applying aviation safety standards, Safety Management Systems (SMS), and operational risk management principles
Comprehensive knowledge of applicable FAA, US Wildland Fire Service and other AFF regulatory requirements governing flight operations and crew training
Experience supporting operational test and evaluation, flight test, mission system integration, or development of operational TTPs preferred
Strong leadership, organizational, strategic thinking, communication, and workforce development skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and training management software
Ability to deploy in support of operations, training, standardization, evaluations, and test activities
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
Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub
Work Authorization / Security Clearance
Applicant must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be a U.S. citizen
Current U.S. Passport
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 support to deployed fire season rosters, department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.
Work Environment
This job operates within a combination of office, hangar, and deployed settings.
Travel
50%
Base Pay Range
The compensation range shown below is a good faith estimate and reflects the expected base pay for this position upon hire. This is just one component of Metrea's overall approach to total rewards and final compensation decisions, including the ultimate salary or hourly rate agreed upon, may vary depending on factors such as job location, job-specific knowledge, skills, experience, and the overall negotiated compensation package. Eligible full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Pay Range
$250,000—$275,000 USD