Direct Support Operator (DSO) Flight Instructor

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a Direct Support Operator Instructor, training 1A8 career field personnel for basic qualifications, mission qualifications, aircraft differences, re-qualification, and instructor upgrades.
• Deliver high-impact training on mission planning, flight safety, airmanship, threat warning, TTPs, and COMSEC procedures.
• Develop and refine classroom instruction materials and simulator scenarios.
• Advise on military SOI development, ensuring training content is cutting-edge and mission-relevant.
• Audit and log student performance with precision, creating individualized remedial training plans when needed.
• Travel for aircraft-specific difference training or support to training operations across all approved 1A8 training locations, as required.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience (Bachelor's degree may be substituted for 4 years of experience).
• Active TS/SCI clearance required on Day 1—mission readiness is essential.
• Ability to pass and maintain requisite flight physical qualifications for the duration of employment, as directed by the COR.
• Prior flight instructor experience preferred.
• Strong customer service skills, navigating interactions with military officers and civilian managers.
• Exceptional communication skills—both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office Suite and flight training and integration software, such as Patriot Excalibur (PEX) and Graduate / Training Integration Management System (G/TIMS).

About the Role

Description Train the elite. Shape the mission. Elevate the future! Direct Support Operator (DSO) Flight Instructor – Classroom & Airborne Training Step into a mission‑critical role where your expertise directly shapes the next generation of elite airborne cryptologic technicians. Leidos is seeking an exceptional Direct Support Operator (DSO) Flight Instructor to deliver high‑impact training on the Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS) Air and follow‑on systems. Location is Kirkland AFB, in Albuquerque, NM. This is a fast‑paced, hands‑on position that blends classroom instruction, immersive simulator work, and real‑world airborne operations—preparing Career Enlisted Aviators for the missions that matter most. Candidates must possess a current Top Secret/SCI security clearance to be considered.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range $65,650.00 - $118,675.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.