Operations Program Manager Jobs in Lakeland, FL (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
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
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior ISR Program Manager to lead and support complex Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manned airborne ISR missions and a deep understanding of U.S. government contracting processes. This role involves planning, executing, and managing ISR programs in both domestic and austere international.
What You'll Do

• Lead ISR program planning and execution, including deployment stand-ups and spoke operations
• Coordinate with government and industry stakeholders to ensure mission success
• Manage program schedules, budgets, and deliverables in compliance with contract requirements
• Support proposal development and contract modifications
• Oversee operational readiness and sustainment of ISR platforms
• CONUS Travel required (50%)

What You Bring

• 6-12 years of experience in manned airborne ISR operations management
• Strong knowledge of U.S. government contracting and acquisition processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
• Experience with ISR deployment stand-ups and spoke operations
• Familiarity with operational planning tools and mission management systems
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• PMP and/or DAU Certification (waived with experience in lieu of on a case-by-case basis)

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Valid U.S. passport and driver's license
• BS in Engineering, Business Administration, or similar discipline (waived with experience in lieu of on a case-by-case basis)

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

• Top Secret with SCI Eligibility

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 non-exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 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 in an office setting.
Travel
Yes, 50% CONUS
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.