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 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 Aviation Operations (US), 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 equivalent to an FAA 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 Sensor Operators, and other assigned flight crew members are properly selected, trained, qualified, current, and competent to safely execute ISR flight operations in support of U.S. Government, allied, and partner nation contracts.
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 with Flight Operations, Airborne Sensor 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
What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aviation Management, Education, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent operational aviation leadership experience
FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate or Commercial Aircraft Multi-Engine Land Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating, appropriate aircraft type ratings, and qualifications required to serve as a Piot-in-Command and Standardization Captain in Beechcraft King Air and Bombardier Challenger aircraft
Minimum five years of aviation leadership experience, including at least two years in flight crew training, standardization, or operational leadership
Demonstrated experience leading aircrew 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, DCMA, ICAO, EASA, CASA, and other 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
Current U.S. Passport and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance
Ability to periodically deploy in support of operational 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. Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required at time of hire, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment.
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 Environment
This job operates within a combination of office, hangar, and deployed settings.
Travel
20%