Flight Instruction Mgr / F-35 / Luke AFB, AZ

Standard Job Description

Job Summary
The F-35 Flight Instructor Manager leads and mentors a cadre of flight instructors and console operators, coordinating closely with Training Operations and other support sections to deliver world‑class pilot training at Luke Air Force Base for F-35 squadrons worldwide. This role is pivotal in ensuring that academic, simulated, and flight‑training objectives are met with the highest standards of efficiency and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Cadre Leadership & Development:
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate the Flight Instructor team.
• Foster professional growth and sustain instructor competency across all training domains.
• Curriculum & Courseware Management:
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all pilot training courseware updates.
• Oversee Electronic Mediated Lecture (EML) and Interactive Courseware (ICW) delivery.
• Ensure all training materials reflect the latest F-35 systems, tactics, and squadron requirements.
• Flight Simulation & Procedure Instruction:
• Instruct flight procedures using Pilot Training Devices (PTDs) per the approved syllabus.
• Operate Full Mission Simulators (FMS) and Instructor Operating Stations (IOS) to validate trainee progress and mission readiness.
• Training Operations Coordination:
• Interface with Training Operations, maintenance, and operations sections to synchronize flight schedules, resource allocation, and syllabus adherence.
• Facilitate seamless integration of new training initiatives and policy updates.
• Lockheed Martin Initiative Support:
• Implement and support Lockheed Martin–driven training programs, policies, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with the Lockheed Martin training team to achieve F‑35 training objectives and sustainment goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current F‑35 contract instructor pilot experience with demonstrable squadron or training unit involvement.
• Proven experience leading instructor cadres or managing training programs in a military or defense‑contract environment.
• Deep working knowledge of F‑35 pilot training syllabi, PTDs, FMS, EML, and ICW platforms.
• Subject‑matter expertise in aircraft sustainment, mission planning, and fighter‑aircraft tactics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances (ECI/LMPI/CUI as applicable).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; ability to interface effectively with military, government, and industry stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation or CV date within the last 5 years. Must be able to attain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access.

Must be a current and qualified F-35 Flight Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP) and be familiar with formal training unit operations and training.

Must have proven track record leading pilots.

Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule.

Must be willing to travel when needed to support F-35 enterprise training requirements.

Desired Skills

1000 hours experience in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft as a pilot is highly desired.
Experience as a Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP) or Advanced Contractor Instructor Pilot (ACIP) at Luke AFB is highly desired.
Experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) in tactical fighter aircraft.
Past experience with F-35 pilot training curriculum. Familiarity with 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 fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft.
Experience with advanced sensor systems such as NVS, LANTIRN, Helmet Mounted Cuing, 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); Top Gun: Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) graduate. Standardization/Evaluation Flight Examiner (SEFE); NATOPS Evaluator experience. Experience with training management systems (TMS), learning management systems (LMS), and electronic grade books.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $148300.00 - $275500.00

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: 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.