Contract Instructor Pilot / F-35 / Rovaniemi, Finlandr
Job role insights
Date Posted
September 2, 2026
Employment Type
Full Time
Salary Range
$148.3K - $275.5K
Cost of Living
View details for Orlando
Locations
Application Deadline
October 2, 2026
Description
Overview
Position Assignment: F-35 Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP) to be located in Rovaniemi, Finland. This position will be responsible for the execution of F-35 training operations in support of local Finnish Air Force flight training requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Lockheed Martin Training Team and the local Finnish Air Force.
This position supports military pilots’ flight procedures in maintaining qualification level in the Pilot Training Device by executing approved pilot training syllabi, upgrade, and tactics training. CIP will provide pilot training using the F-35 Full Mission Simulator (FMS). The instructor will primarily operate Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and will be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting pilot training and tactics development, as well as recommendations for courseware updates. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Lockheed Martin team at dedicated training sites to fulfill F-35 training and continuation training objectives. The successful candidate will implement and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs and policies, as directed. Candidate must maintain a Secret level security clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) access. Appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with assignment. Additional duties and related responsibilities will be assigned as required.
Responsibilities
- Provide academic training through Electronic Mediated Lecture (EML) and Interactive Courseware (ICW).
- Implement and support Lockheed Martin initiatives, programs, and policies as directed.
- Comply with site security and access control procedures in accordance with F-35 program and customer procedures.
- Instruct pilots in flight procedures and techniques in ground school courses and flight training. Prepare lesson plans.
- Assist in the preparation of schedules, maintenance of training records, and ensure that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student.
- Evaluate and monitor students’ performance.
Selected applicant may be required to work rotating shifts and work in excess of 40 hours per week.
Relocation and Location
Relocation and housing assistance is available. Accompanied Status Available: Accompanied status means new hires may have qualifying dependents accompany them on their long-term overseas assignment. Foreign Location Premium(s): Available.
The OCONUS Locale: Rovaniemi, Finland is a unique and breathtaking locale, situated in the heart of Finnish Lapland. This Arctic city offers a distinct cultural experience, with a mix of traditional Sami heritage and modern Finnish charm. Surrounded by vast wilderness and natural beauty, Rovaniemi provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, and Northern Lights sightings. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant community, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, Rovaniemi is an ideal location for those looking to experience the best of Arctic living and work on cutting-edge projects like the F-35 training program.
Basic Qualifications
- Candidate must have active secret clearance with final clearance adjudication within the last five years and be able to qualify and hold a SAP clearance.
- Candidate should have Fighter Flight Time in fourth and/or fifth generation aircraft.
- Must have in-depth knowledge of military publications and an understanding of fourth and/or fifth generation aircraft training operations.
- Candidate must have prior experience in delivering military pilot academics and simulator training and be familiar with current instructional techniques and delivery methods.
- Proven experience working in a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams and stakeholders from varied backgrounds.
- Candidate must have outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent leadership traits, strong oral & written communication abilities, solid organizational skills, and a high desire to provide customer satisfaction.
- Use of Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is required.
Desired Skills
- Previous experience as an F-35 Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP) or F-35 Pilot Subject Matter (SME) experience.
- Experience with the F-35 pilot training curriculum.
- Familiarity with F-35 program requirements.
- Familiarity with F-35 tactics, techniques, and procedures.
- Familiarity with the F-35 ALIS program.
- Currently possess F-35 Program special access.
- 1000+ hours Fighter Flight Time in fourth and/or fifth generation fighter aircraft.
- Previous experience with Finnish Air Force customer or as a Nordic region exchange pilot.
- Familiarity with Finnish flight rules, procedures, and operations.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $148,300.00 - $275,500.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, as well as market (work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits Offered
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, paid time off, holidays, parental leave, EAP, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For Washington State applicants only: Non-represented full-time employees accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full-time employees accrue 6.67 hours of vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
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AviHire Cost of Living Snapshot: Orlando, Florida
What aviation pay actually covers in Orlando — AviHire's snapshot of median income, housing, and everyday prices from U.S. Census Bureau data (2023 5-Year ACS estimates).
Rent runs about 28.6% of median income in Orlando — moderate by the common 30%-of-income guideline.
AviHire Cost of Living Snapshot, compiled from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2023), with fuel and grocery prices from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
