Contract Instructor Pilot

Lockheed Martin Ventures; Lemoore (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking a qualified F-35 Instructor Pilot in Lemoore, CA. This role involves providing instruction and training for F-35 pilots, requiring extensive military experience and strong leadership skills. Candidates must possess a secret security clearance and have significant fighter flight time. Competitive salary, benefits, and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 5 years.
• Minimum of 1000 hours Fighter Flight Time in multi-role fighter aircraft.
• Experience as a multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Provide F-35 Instructor Pilot instruction and academic training.
• Evaluate student performance and maintain training records.
• Support training objectives and implement Lockheed Martin initiatives.

Skills

Fighter Flight Time

Simulator Experience

Leadership

Communication

Education

Degree from an accredited college

Tools

Microsoft Office

Full Mission Simulators

Job description

Description

Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and technology solutions, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and shaping the future of the industry. With a rich legacy of excellence and a commitment to delivering advanced capabilities to our customers, we are proud to be at the forefront of cutting‑edge technology and engineering.

What We’re Doing

We’re revolutionizing the aerospace and defense sector through groundbreaking technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and a world‑class team of professionals. Our mission‑driven approach and unwavering dedication to excellence ensure that we continue to deliver superior products and solutions to our customers around the world.

The Work

We are seeking an experienced fighter pilot to serve as a Pilot Instructor located at NAS Lemoore. The position provides F‑35 Instructor Pilot and Subject Matter Expert (SME) instruction, academic training utilizing Electronic Mediated Lecture (EML) and/or Interactive Courseware (ICW), and instruction of flight procedures in the Pilot Training Devices executing the approved pilot training syllabus. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Lockheed Martin training team at NAS Lemoore to fulfill F‑35 training objectives, implement and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies, and maintain a Secret level security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) access. The candidate must hold an appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with the assignment.

The Contract Instructor Pilot will provide instruction using the Full Mission Simulators (FMS) or Mission Rehearsal Trainer (MRT), operate Instructor Operating Stations (IOS), serve as an SME for all pilot training courseware updates, assist in schedule preparation, maintain training records, ensure course standards and requirements are met, and evaluate each student’s performance. This position is typically represented by an experienced pilot.

This position is sign‑on bonus eligible.

Who You Are

You are a dynamic, results‑oriented professional with a passion for driving operational excellence and optimizing production processes. You thrive in a fast‑paced environment and are adept at managing complex projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Your strong analytical skills, effective communication, and cross‑departmental collaboration make you an invaluable asset to our team.

Why Join Us

Opportunity for Impact – join a team that is at the forefront of innovation in the aerospace and defense industry and make a significant impact on the success of our organization.

Professional Development – take advantage of unparalleled opportunities for growth and advancement within Lockheed Martin, with access to world‑class training and development programs.

Collaborative Culture – work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry who share your passion for excellence and are committed to supporting each other’s success.

Competitive Benefits – enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and competitive salary offerings.

Cutting‑Edge Technology – work in a dynamic and forward‑thinking environment where you will have the opportunity to work with the latest technology and contribute to groundbreaking projects that shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 5 years or be enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
• Must be able to attain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 1000 hours Fighter Flight Time in 4th/5th generation multi‑role fighter aircraft.
• Must have experience as a multi‑ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft.
• Experience with simulator devices and an understanding of fighter tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Proven experience working in a collaborative environment with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders from varied backgrounds.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent leadership traits, strong oral & written communication abilities, solid organizational ability, and a high desire to provide customer satisfaction.
• Position may require participation in deployed operations to support customer requirements.
• Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule.
• Former Instructor Pilot (IP) experience required.
• In‑depth knowledge of 4th and/or 5th generation aircraft systems, operational experience with advanced sensor systems (Night Vision devices, EO/IR targeting systems, Helmet Mounted Cueing) and the latest air‑to‑surface and air‑to‑air weapons inventory.
• Prior experience in delivering military pilot academics and simulator training, familiar with current instructional techniques and delivery methods.
• Use of Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is required.
• Must be willing to travel CONUS and OCONUS for up to 89‑day periods.

Desired Skills

• Flight experience in the F‑35 is highly desired.
• Experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) in tactical fighter aircraft.
• Experience with F‑35 pilot training curriculum.
• Familiarity with the F‑35 program requirements.
• F‑35 system knowledge.
• F‑35 Full Mission Simulator experience.
• Familiarity with the F‑35 ALIS program.
• Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in 4th and/or 5th generation tactical fighter aircraft.
• Experience with advanced systems such as NVS, targeting pods, datalinks, Helmet Mounted Cueing, and the latest weapons inventory.
• Graduate of formal military Academic Instructor Course (AIC).
• Formal Training Unit (FTU) or Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot experience.
• Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC) or Top Gun: Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) graduate.
• Standardization/Evaluation Flight Examiner (SEFE) or NATOPS Evaluator experience.
• Experience with training management systems (TMS), learning management systems (LMS), and electronic grade books.
• Current USAF/USN/USMC IP with multi‑role fighter experience.
• Former Weapon School, Top Gun, or MAWTS graduate desired.

Security Clearance Statement

This position requires a government security clearance; you must be a US Citizen for consideration.

Other Important Information

By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. If this match is identified, you may be contacted for this and future openings.

Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full‑time – the work will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.

Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate schedules that provide additional flexibility. Schedules range from a standard 40‑hour week to other condensed arrangements, which are in addition to paid time‑off benefits.

Schedule for this Position: Non‑standard 40 hour work week as assigned by leader.

The base rate for this position in California is $101.97.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. The wage range and benefits summary is a general guideline and is governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement when extending an offer.

Lockheed Martin is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.

The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5‑30 days of the requisition posting date to receive optimal consideration.

Experience Level: Hourly/Non‑Exempt
Business Unit: RMS
Relocation Available: No
Career Area: Systems Engineering: Models and Simulations
Type: Full‑Time
Shift: First