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Mission Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engine Fleet Manager

Tampa, FL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

SAM oversees the integration of new mission systems, ensuring operational readiness across specialized aviation operations. It manages fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, and strategic ...

Dean of Aviation

Wichita, KS · On-site

$72K/yr

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), Professional Pilot (PLT), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS ... our mission to create a talent pipeline, establish workforce equity, and improve economic ...

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), Professional Pilot (PLT), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS ... our mission to create a talent pipeline, establish workforce equity, and improve economic ...

Dean of Aviation

Wichita, KS · On-site

$72K/yr

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), Professional Pilot (PLT), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS ... our mission to create a talent pipeline, establish workforce equity, and improve economic ...

Aircraft Mission Planner

Linda, CA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Aircraft Mission Planner The Opportunity: As a defense mission professional, you ask questions ... Completion of 500+ total flight hours rated aviation Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject ...

... mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions ...

Lead Training Captain

Temecula, CA · On-site

$195K - $215K/yr

... mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions ...

Engine Fleet Manager

Tampa, FL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

SAM oversees the integration of new mission systems, ensuring operational readiness across specialized aviation operations. It manages fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, and strategic ...

Our mission is to deliver unparalleled service and uncompromising quality to ensure the highest level of aviation safety. Position Summary: We are looking for detail-oriented and mechanically skilled ...

... mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions ...

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Mission Aviation information

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How much do mission aviation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mission aviation in the United States is $21.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges faced by professionals working in Mission Aviation, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals in Mission Aviation often operate in remote or underdeveloped regions, which can present challenges such as limited infrastructure, unpredictable weather, and cultural differences. Adapting to resource-constrained environments requires flexibility, strong problem-solving skills, and a dedication to safety. Applicants should be prepared for irregular schedules and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including humanitarian workers and local communities. Gaining experience in bush flying, cross-cultural communication, and emergency response can be valuable preparation for these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mission Aviation Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mission Aviation Pilot, you need a commercial or airline transport pilot license, strong flight experience in challenging environments, and familiarity with humanitarian or remote operations. Proficiency with aircraft navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and potentially maintenance certifications are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for operating in diverse, unpredictable settings. These qualifications ensure safe flights, effective mission delivery, and positive engagement with communities in remote or underserved regions.

What is mission aviation?

Mission aviation refers to the use of aircraft and aviation services to support missionary work, humanitarian aid, and outreach in remote or difficult-to-access areas. Mission aviation pilots and teams transport people, medical supplies, food, and other necessities to places where roads are impassable or infrastructure is lacking. These services are essential for reaching isolated communities and providing critical support for health, education, and disaster relief efforts. Organizations involved in mission aviation often partner with churches, NGOs, and local communities to achieve their objectives.

What is the difference between Mission Aviation vs Flight Operations Coordinator?

AspectMission AviationFlight Operations Coordinator
CredentialsPilot licenses, aviation certifications, often missionary or humanitarian trainingAirline or corporate aviation experience, certifications in flight operations
Work EnvironmentRemote, rural, often in developing regions, mission-focusedAirports, offices, coordinating flights, administrative tasks
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, missionary organizations, humanitarian agenciesAirlines, corporate flight departments, logistics companies

Mission Aviation primarily involves piloting aircraft for humanitarian, missionary, or relief missions in remote areas, requiring specialized flying certifications. Flight Operations Coordinators manage flight schedules, logistics, and compliance, often working in more structured environments like airports or offices. While both roles are aviation-related, Mission Aviation focuses on direct flight operation in mission settings, whereas Flight Operations Coordinators handle the planning and coordination side of aviation activities.

More about Mission Aviation jobs
What states have the most Mission Aviation jobs? States with the most job openings for Mission Aviation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mission Aviation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,812 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Senior Quality Assurance Analyst

Metrea Management LLC

Temecula, CA • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


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.

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.


Group Overview

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 conduct comprehensive internal and external quality audits to ensure AIRMOB’s aerial refueling operations meet commercial airline-level quality standards and regulatory requirements. You will perform detailed assessments of quality management systems, supplier evaluations, and compliance audits while supporting continuous improvement initiatives across air mobility operations. You will be successful if you are methodical, thorough in your assessments, and thrive in an environment where audit quality directly supports operational safety and airworthiness.


What You’ll Do

  • Plan, conduct, and report on internal quality audits across all air mobility operations and support functions
  • Perform external supplier audits and evaluations to ensure vendor compliance with quality standards
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of quality management systems, procedures, and processes
  • Evaluate compliance with Part 121, Part 135, Part 145, and other applicable regulatory requirements
  • Lead audit activities for Safety Management System (SMS) and Quality Assurance Program (QAP) compliance
  • Develop audit plans, checklists, and procedures based on regulatory standards and industry best practices
  • Interview personnel, review documentation, and observe operations to assess compliance and effectiveness
  • Prepare detailed audit reports with findings, recommendations, and corrective action requirements
  • Track and verify completion of corrective actions and follow-up activities
  • Support customer audits and regulatory inspections as subject matter experts
  • Maintain audit documentation and records in accordance with regulatory and company requirements
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve audit findings and implement improvements
  • Provide training and guidance to personnel on audit processes and quality requirements
  • Support supplier qualification and ongoing supplier management programs
  • Assist in development and revision of quality procedures and work instructions


What You’ll Bring

Must Haves

  • Minimum 5 years of experience conducting quality audits in a commercial aviation environment
  • Strong knowledge of aviation quality standards including Part 121, Part 135, Part 145, AS9100, and ISO 9001
  • Proven ability to conduct both internal and external audits independently
  • Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to prepare comprehensive reports
  • Knowledge of aviation maintenance operations, flight operations, and ground support activities
  • Understanding of supplier management and vendor qualification processes
  • Ability to travel for external audits and supplier evaluations


Nice to Haves

  • CASE (Coordinating Agency for Supplier Evaluation) Level 3 qualification
  • Part 121 or Part 135 air carrier auditing experience
  • Experience with Safety Management System (SMS) and Quality Assurance Program (QAP) auditing
  • Experience with audit management software and documentation systems
  • Professional auditing certifications (ASQ CQA, RABQSA, etc.)
  • A&P license or aviation technical background
  • Experience with multi-engine turbine aircraft operations
  • Knowledge of aerial refueling or specialized mission aircraft operations


Additional Eligibility Qualifications

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
  • Experience with experimental exhibition or special flight permit operations preferred
  • Experience with FAA oversight and regulatory compliance processes
  • Familiarity with DCMA requirements and military maintenance documentation standards a plus


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 legally authorized to work in the United States.


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 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. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 40 hours per week with approval from the department manager.


Work Location

Mixed operational environment including flight line operations, office facilities, and occasional travel locations as required.


Work Environment

This position operates in diverse environments including active aircraft flight line operations, office settings, and various travel locations. Work involves exposure to aircraft maintenance operations, outdoor weather conditions, and industrial noise levels. Personal protective equipment is required when accessing operational areas. The role requires physical mobility to inspect aircraft systems, climb aircraft, and work in confined spaces. Travel to customer sites, vendor facilities, or other operational locations may be required.


Travel

Yes, as required.