First OfficerMcKee Foods
Aircraft: Citation I/SPLocation: Chattanooga, TennesseeType-rated
Total Time1,500 hrs
PIC Time0 hrs
Jet Time100 hrs
Salary (range)$98,700-$133,500/yr
About This Role
McKee Foods, America's favorite family bakery since 1934, is seeking a First Officer (Copilot) to join their corporate aviation team based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The role involves flying corporate aircraft (Cessna Citation I/SP) approximately three days per week to support company operations and executive travel. Candidates must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Cessna Citation type rating and minimum 1,500 hours total flight time. The position offers a competitive salary of $98,700-$133,500 annually plus excellent benefits including profit-sharing bonuses, 401(k) matching, 25 days PTO, comprehensive health insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced pilot seeking stable, long-term employment with a legacy brand in a supportive corporate culture.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve as Pilot Monitoring when not flying, monitoring flight instruments, radio communications, and navigation
- Assist in preparing accurate flight plans and checking weather reports
- Calculate fuel requirements and aircraft performance data
- Ensure all phases of flight adhere to FAA regulations, company SOPs, and local airport guidelines
- Conduct thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft airworthiness
- Provide excellent customer service to all passengers
- Coordinate ground transportation, fueling, and hangar services at destination airports
- Maintain aircraft logbooks, flight records, and expense reports
- Participate in company safety meetings and contribute to the Safety Management System
What We Offer
Competitive weekly payProfit-sharing cash bonus program401(k) with matching contributions25 days Paid Time Off (vacation, holidays, sick time, personal time)Medical insurance (health, dental, vision, prescription drug)Supplemental life insuranceFully-paid parental leaveOn-site health center and pharmacy (TN) or mental wellness counseling (virtual elsewhere)Tuition reimbursementCredit union accessExercise and recreation facilityWellness programs with incentivesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Short-term and long-term disability benefits (company-paid)
Requirements
- Commercial Pilot Certificate with Cessna Citation CE 500 SIC Type Rating
- Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time
- Minimum 1 year of pilot experience
- 2+ years of college or Associate Degree
- Ability to use various aviation-related iPad apps
- Good computer skills and Google Workspace proficiency
- ICAO English proficiency for communication
- Excellent math skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of FAR regulations and aviation developments
- Ability to lift 15-50 pounds regularly, occasionally in excess of 75 pounds
- Close and distance vision requirements
- Must be able to work 1st Shift (Sunday-Friday) with hours varying to meet business needs
About McKee Foods
McKee Foods is America's favorite family bakery since 1934, home of legacy brands including Little Debbie®, Drake's® Cakes, and Sunbelt Bakery® Granola Bars, known for a culture committed to work-life balance and employee wellness.