Lockheed Martin | Instructor

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and technology solutions, renowned for its unwavering commitment to innovation and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry. With a rich legacy of excellence and a dedication to delivering advanced capabilities, the company stands at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and engineering. Lockheed Martin revolutionizes the aerospace and defense sector through groundbreaking technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and a world-class team of professionals, ensuring the delivery of superior products and solutions to customers globally.

The Opportunity: F-35 Contractor Instructor Pilot

Lockheed Martin is seeking a highly skilled and experienced F-35 Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP) to join its esteemed Pilot Training Center located at Ghedi Air Base in Ghedi, Italy. This pivotal position is responsible for the comprehensive execution of F-35 training operations, directly supporting the Italian Air Force in maintaining peak pilot proficiency and qualification levels.

Key Responsibilities

The F-35 Contractor Instructor Pilot will be instrumental in achieving F-35 training objectives, working collaboratively with the Lockheed Martin Training Team and Italian Air Force personnel. Primary duties include:

• Executing approved F-35 pilot training syllabi, encompassing upgrade, continuation, and tactics training within the F-35 Full Mission Simulator (FMS).
• Operating the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) as the primary instructional tool and serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in pilot training and tactics development.
• Providing academic training sessions through Electronic Mediated Lecture (EML) and Interactive Courseware (ICW).
• Developing recommendations for courseware updates to enhance training effectiveness and align with evolving operational requirements.
• Instructing military pilots in advanced flight procedures and techniques during both ground school courses and simulator flight training.
• Preparing and maintaining detailed lesson plans to ensure structured and effective instruction.
• Assisting in the preparation of training schedules, meticulous maintenance of training records, and ensuring strict adherence to course standards, training requirements, and objectives for all students.
• Rigorously evaluating and monitoring students’ performance to ensure the attainment of required proficiency levels.
• Implementing and supporting Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies as directed, while strictly complying with site security and access control procedures in accordance with F-35 program and customer requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Candidate must possess an active Secret security clearance and be able to qualify for and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access. Final clearance adjudication must be within the last five years.
• Demonstrated extensive fighter pilot flight time in fourth and/or fifth-generation aircraft.
• In-depth knowledge of military publications and a comprehensive understanding of fourth and/or fifth-generation aircraft training operations.
• Proven experience in delivering military pilot academics and simulator training, coupled with familiarity with current instructional techniques and delivery methods.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in collaborative environments with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, exceptional leadership traits, strong oral and written communication abilities, robust organizational skills, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is required.
• An appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with this assignment.

Desired Skills

• Previous experience as an F-35 Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP) or F-35 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Over 1000 hours of fighter flight time in fourth and/or fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
• Prior experience collaborating with the Italian Air Force customer.
• Previous fighter experience, including specific instructor experience.
• Familiarity with F-35 tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Familiarity with F-35 program requirements and the F-35 ALIS program.
• Familiarity with NATO and European theater flight rules, procedures, and operations.
• Previous expatriate or overseas work experience.

Work Environment and Benefits

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work in a dynamic international setting. Located at Ghedi Air Base, candidates will discover the picturesque charm of Lombardy, Italy, with its rich history, art, and architecture. The region provides easy access to major cities such as Milan and Verona, and natural wonders like Lake Garda, all within a mild climate offering abundant sunshine throughout the year. Lockheed Martin offers relocation and housing assistance. Accompanied status is available, allowing qualifying dependents to join the successful candidate on this long-term overseas assignment.

Security Clearance

This position requires a government security clearance. Applicants must be US Citizens for consideration. The required clearance level is Secret, with an investigation or Continuous Vetting (CV) date within the last five years.

Application Information

By applying to this job, candidates express interest in this position and may be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified. This role is a full-time, onsite position at a designated Lockheed Martin facility, typically involving a non-standard 40-hour work week as assigned by leadership. Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules to provide additional flexibility to its employees.

Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics. The application window for this position will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date for optimal consideration.

Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions – those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience, and precision. We are a leading technology innovation company, with a vast team working with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers’ toughest challenges.