Aerial Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Special Air Missions Group area of Metrea.

Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (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 ensures Metrea's airborne capabilities remain adaptable and mission-ready across dynamic operational environments.

Position Summary

The Engine Fleet Manager is responsible for the technical and strategic management of Metrea's aircraft engine portfolio. This role provides centralized oversight of engine lifecycle planning, condition assessment, and overhaul execution to ensure safe operation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective asset management.

Reporting to the Head of Airworthiness, the Engine Fleet Manager serves as the primary technical authority for engine-related decisions and works in close coordination with the Airworthiness Program Manager to support program execution, planning, and reporting. Engine platforms include PT6A series, CF34 series, and additional engines introduced to the fleet.

What You'll Do

• Provide centralized planning, technical direction, and oversight of engine fleet activities in support of CAMO and SAM objectives
• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned engines, including utilization tracking, on-wing operation, removal planning, overhaul induction, and return to service
• Develop and maintain engine maintenance forecasts, including TBO projections, hot section inspections, LLP exposure, and shop visit planning
• Monitor and interpret engine trend, oil analysis, and performance data to identify early indicators of degradation
• Review and interpret borescope inspection findings using OEM guidance, historical data, and fleet experience
• Analyze overhaul and teardown reports to validate findings, determine root causes, and prevent unnecessary scope escalation
• Serve as the technical focal point with engine OEMs, MRO providers, and outstations on engine-related matters
• Review and approve engine work scopes, estimates, and invoices to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with approved maintenance strategy
• Coordinate with Airworthiness, Maintenance, Finance, and Asset Management to align engine activities with schedules, budgets, valuation, and long-range planning
• Ensure regulatory compliance, develop standardized guidance, deliver training, and serve as a technical mentor and subject matter expert

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or a minimum of 5 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate required; Inspection Authorization (IA) preferred
• 5+ years of experience managing turbine aircraft engines in an operational, CAMO, or MRO environment
• Demonstrated experience with PT6A and CF34 engine families, additional platforms preferred
• Proven ability to review and interpret borescope inspections, trend analysis data, and overhaul teardown reports
• Experience challenging MRO findings, repair recommendations, and invoices using technical and analytical justification
• Strong understanding of engine maintenance programs, hot section inspections, LLP management, and overhaul planning
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical assessments into operational and financial impacts

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a complex operational environment
• Ability to interact effectively with internal stakeholders and external vendors
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel
• Familiarity with maintenance tracking systems, engine monitoring tools, or ERP platforms preferred

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

Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

* Must be a U.S. citizen.* Clearence required at time of hire: Active Secret clearance required at time of hire, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Metrea Special Aerospace, Inc. 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

Tampa, FL

Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting

Travel

Travel requirements: 35%