KC-46 Aerial Refueling Operator (Boom Operator) / Subject Matter Expert

Arcs Aviation
Arcs Aviation

Contractor

Cookeville, TN, USA

Posted on Oct 21, 2026
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Company: ARCS Aviation

Position: KC-46 Aerial Refueling Operator / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Employment Type: Part-Time, Contract, or Consulting

Location: Remote / Hybrid, with occasional travel as required

Position Overview

ARCS Aviation is seeking an experienced KC-46 Pegasus Aerial Refueling Operator (Boom Operator) to provide operational expertise in support of an Air Force research and development project involving air-to-air refueling performance assessment and pilot debriefing.

The selected individual will provide subject matter expertise related to KC-46 refueling operations, boom operator procedures, aircraft positioning, refueling maneuvers, operational safety, and performance evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide operational expertise regarding KC-46 air-to-air refueling procedures and mission execution.
  • Explain boom operator responsibilities during pre-contact, contact, fuel transfer, and disconnect operations.
  • Provide guidance on tanker and receiver aircraft positioning, alignment, and relative movement.
  • Identify operational parameters used to assess successful and unsuccessful refueling attempts.
  • Support development of realistic air-to-air refueling scenarios and operational use cases.
  • Review proposed performance assessment criteria and provide recommendations based on operational experience.
  • Explain common refueling errors, challenges, and corrective actions.
  • Assist in identifying meaningful performance metrics for pilot training and debriefing.
  • Review technical concepts, demonstrations, and prototype results for operational realism.
  • Participate in technical meetings with ARCS engineers and research partners.
  • Support operational evaluation, testing, and validation activities as required.

Required Qualifications

  • Former or current U.S. Air Force Aerial Refueling Operator (Boom Operator).
  • Direct operational experience with KC-46 Pegasus air-to-air refueling operations.
  • Strong understanding of boom refueling procedures, tanker/receiver coordination, and operational safety.
  • Familiarity with aircraft positioning, closure rates, alignment, and contact/disconnect procedures.
  • Ability to explain operational procedures and performance criteria to engineering personnel.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Former KC-46 instructor or evaluator boom operator.
  • Experience conducting or supporting air-to-air refueling training and evaluations.
  • Experience with multiple receiver aircraft types.
  • Familiarity with KC-46 Remote Vision System (RVS) operations.
  • Experience supporting flight training, mission debriefing, or operational assessments.
  • Experience with military flight simulators or aircrew training systems.
  • Prior experience supporting DoD research, development, testing, or evaluation programs.

Expected Contributions

The KC-46 Boom Operator SME will assist ARCS in:

  1. Establishing operationally relevant refueling scenarios.
  2. Identifying measurable indicators of refueling performance.
  3. Defining common errors and operational challenges.
  4. Reviewing performance assessment and debriefing criteria.
  5. Evaluating prototype demonstrations for operational accuracy and relevance.

Additional Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship required for applicable defense project work.
  • Ability to comply with applicable project security and information-handling requirements.
  • Availability for periodic technical meetings and operational reviews.

ARCS Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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