Take Flight with Your Expertise: Become a Flight Operations Observer
Shape the Future of Aviation Safety from the Flight Deck
PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a global leader in the aviation industry to hire experienced aviation professionals for an exciting Flight Operations Observer (FOO) opportunity. If you're a seasoned airline captain, instructor, or examiner with a passion for operational excellence and aviation safety, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to safety enhancement initiatives across the globe.
In this position, you will conduct flight deck and simulator observations, collect critical operational data, and provide valuable insights that help improve safety, compliance, and training effectiveness for airline customers worldwide.
Position Details
Job Title: Flight Operations Observer (FOO)
Job Type: Contract (12 Months), On-Call
Location: Remote
Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift | 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Pay Rate: Starting at $67.78 per hour
What You'll Do
As a member of the Airline Operations Safety Support (AOSS) Team, you will play a critical role in observing and evaluating real-world airline operations and training environments.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare for customer deployments through comprehensive review of airline policies, procedures, and operational documentation
Travel to customer locations worldwide to conduct flight deck jumpseat and full-flight simulator observations
Collect, document, and analyze operational data supporting aviation safety and compliance initiatives
Complete detailed observation checklists and provide supporting references from customer operations manuals
Deliver accurate daily feedback and reporting to Company Leads and Co-Leads
Participate in internal team discussions and contribute evidence-based operational assessments
Maintain accurate records and complete Excel-based reporting requirements
Represent yourself and the organization professionally while interacting with airline customers and aviation personnel
Follow established procedures and direction from leadership throughout deployment activities
Support ongoing efforts to enhance global aviation safety through objective operational observations
Required Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience
Minimum 10 years of operational experience in commercial aviation
Previous experience serving as:
Airline Captain
Pilot Instructor
Check Airman
Examiner
Or equivalent senior flight operations role
Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License (current currency not required)
Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
Ability to work effectively with customers and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds
Strong attention to detail and commitment to procedural compliance
Ability to travel globally for assignments lasting up to three weeks at a time
Must reside within one hour of a major U.S. airport
Commitment to following established policies, procedures, and safety standards
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related experience, or
Master's degree and 3+ years of related experience, or
PhD and related experience, or
An equivalent combination of education and professional aviation experience
Preferred Qualifications
Previous airline operational audit or safety observation experience
Experience working with commercial airline training departments
Background in flight standards, safety management systems (SMS), or regulatory compliance
Experience working with global carriers and international flight operations
Advanced Excel and data reporting skills
OEM or aircraft manufacturer experience
Why Join Us?
Make a Global Impact on Aviation Safety
Your expertise won't just support airline operations, it will help improve safety practices for flight crews around the world.
Work with Industry Leaders
Collaborate with some of the most respected professionals in commercial aviation while supporting programs that influence operational excellence across multiple airlines and regions.
Unique Access and Insight
Gain unparalleled visibility into airline operations through direct flight deck and simulator observations, contributing to meaningful safety improvements across the industry.
Competitive Compensation
Starting pay of $67.78 per hour
Remote-based position when not deployed
Opportunity for global travel and industry exposure
Valuable experience with a world-renowned aviation organization
Professional networking with aviation leaders and subject matter experts
Bring Your Expertise Beyond the Cockpit
Leverage your years of operational knowledge in a role that values your judgment, experience, and commitment to aviation excellence.
Ready for Your Next Mission?
If you're an accomplished aviation professional looking to make a lasting impact on airline safety and operational performance, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and help elevate aviation safety standards around the world as a Flight Operations Observer with PDS Tech Commercial.
Your experience has guided flights. Now let it help guide the future of aviation safety.
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
Pay Details: $67.78 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Job Number:
US_EN_33_022581_2623843
Job Location:
Seattle, WA
Per Diem:
--
Overtime:
--
Duration:
indef
Start Date:
ASAP
Input Date:
11/09/2026
Firm Name:
PDS TECH COMMERCIAL, INC
Attention: Address:
545 E JOHN CARPENTER FWY STE 950
City, State:
IRVING, TX 75062
Phone:
214/647-9600
800 Phone:
800/270-4737
Email:Client.Services@pdstech.com Website:Go To PDS Tech Commercial Website