Fuel Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview
Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas. These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and operating turnkey capabilities that give our partners decisive, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats.
Our operating model is built around three interlocking pillars. The Support Groups provide a global shared-service - spanning people, finance, platform, operations, legal, and engagement. This frees up our Core Groups, who develop and own mission capabilities end-to-end, to focus entirely on delivery. The Market Groups apply a regional lens, ensuring that our agile and adaptable capabilities remain aligned to the wicked problems that matter most to our partners across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.
At the heart of our model is a simple but powerful idea: be a true partner with skin in the game. Our partners need effects, not just equipment. By owning the full stack - from the lab to the field - we are able to drive a continuous cycle of innovation that keeps our partners ahead. It's a fast-moving, intellectually demanding environment where talented people are given real responsibility, work on problems that matter, and contribute to an enterprise that is growing quickly and deliberately.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, with facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, as well as Continental Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Group Overview
This role sits within the Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB), which 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 own the fuel systems maintenance capability for Metrea's KC-135R and C-135FR tanker fleet. On a tanker, the fuel system is the mission system, and you will lead the team that keeps fuel cells, plumbing, and aerial refueling delivery systems safe, leak-free, and fully mission capable.
You will be successful if you can run a disciplined, safety-first fuel cell operation, develop skilled technicians, and keep fuel system findings from becoming fleet availability problems.
What You'll Do

• Lead all fuel system maintenance across the fleet, including fuel cell entry, inspection, leak evaluation, and repair
• Own the confined space entry program for fuel cell maintenance, ensuring full compliance with OSHA requirements and industry best practices
• Manage leak detection, classification, and repair standards consistent with applicable technical orders and manufacturer data
• Plan and schedule fuel system inspections and repairs in coordination with Planning and the Maintenance Control Center to protect fleet availability
• Oversee maintenance of aerial refueling delivery systems and associated fuel system components
• Ensure fuel system airworthiness requirements, including fuel tank safety practices, are embedded in work instructions and training
• Manage fuel shop equipment, sealants, consumables, and specialized tooling, including shelf-life and calibration control
• Develop, qualify, and mentor fuel maintenance technicians, including confined space entrant, attendant, and supervisor qualifications
• Document all work in AMOS and ensure records accurately reflect fuel system configuration and repair history
• Support SMS hazard identification and risk assessment for fuel system maintenance operations

What You Bring

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate.
• 7+ years of aircraft fuel systems maintenance experience, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role
• Hands-on fuel cell entry and repair experience on KC-135, B707, or comparable large aircraft
• Strong working knowledge of fuel system leak classification, sealant application, and repair techniques
• Confined space entry training and demonstrated command of associated safety requirements
• Ability to build and enforce disciplined safety practices in a high-risk maintenance environment
• USAF fuel systems (2A6X4) or equivalent military fuel systems background
• Experience with aerial refueling systems, including boom and probe-and-drogue configurations
• Familiarity with T.O. 1-1-3 or equivalent fuel system inspection and repair standards
• Experience with AMOS or comparable M&E information systems

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate required
• Must be able to qualify for confined space entry, including respirator fit and medical clearance
• Valid U.S. passport and driver's license required; must be able to travel internationally

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

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Position may require passing a government-administered background check
• Role requires adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR)
• Employment is contingent on meeting all background 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 Environment
Riverside, California. This job operates in hangar and flightline settings, including work in and around aircraft fuel cells and confined spaces. Exposure to fuel vapors, sealants, solvents, and noise is routine; use of respirators and other PPE is required. Position involves climbing, kneeling, and working in cramped positions.
Travel
Up to 30% domestic and international travel to operating and deployed locations.
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
$130,000-$155,000 USD
Our Firmware
At Metrea, our single core value is Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes are 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.