Senior USV Operations Trainer

Delivers and helps shape technical and operational training for Blue Ops INC's unmanned maritime systems programs. Serves as the organization's most experienced hands-on instructor, responsible for direct delivery of complex classroom, laboratory, and field-based instruction, trainee qualification and evaluation, and mentorship of junior and contract instructors.

Responsibilities

• Instruction & Facilitation
  • Independently plan and deliver classroom, laboratory, and field-based instruction on USV operations, autonomous systems behavior, mission planning, and safety procedures.
  • Lead scenario-based and simulation-supported training exercises that replicate real-world operational environments, adapting scenarios in real time based on trainee performance.
  • Deliver advanced, hands-on operator qualification training including command-and-control interface operation, telemetry monitoring, and contingency response.
  • Adapt instructional methods, pacing, and remediation plans to accommodate personnel with varying technical backgrounds and experience levels.
  • Conduct training at customer sites, government installations, and exercise locations.
• Curriculum Contribution & Instructional Quality
  • Apply Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodologies to help develop, validate, and refine training products.
  • Identify gaps or inaccuracies in existing training materials and recommend or make content revisions based on field experience and lessons learned.
  • Contribute to task analyses, learning hierarchies, and assessment instruments used to validate trainee competency.
  • Serve as a subject matter resource on instructional effectiveness and content accuracy.
• Trainee Evaluation & Qualification
  • Assess trainee performance against defined proficiency standards and determine qualification or non-qualification outcomes.
  • Identify at-risk trainees and determine appropriate remediation or retraining plans.
  • Maintain accurate trainee completion, certification, and currency records in the training management system.
  • Conduct after-action reviews and post-training assessments, identifying root causes of performance gaps.
• Mentorship & Instruction Development
  • Provide technical guidance, coaching, and quality oversight to junior trainers and contractor instructors.
  • Support train-the-trainer programs, leading portions of instructor certification and qualification.
  • Model instructional standards and safety culture for less experienced instructional staff.
• Government & Customer Training Support
  • Serve as on-site training authority for government customers and mission partners in the Training Program Manager’s absence.
  • Support delivery of training requirements embedded in Statements of Work (SOWs), Performance Work Statements (PWSs), and Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs).
  • Provide post-training reach-back support to trained personnel operating in field or deployed environments.
• Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Enforce range safety procedures and emergency response protocols during all instructional events.
  • Identify and mitigate safety risks during training exercises and field events in real time, with authority to pause or modify training activities for safety reasons.
  • Maintain currency with applicable OSHA, Navy/DoD, and FAA regulations relevant to unmanned systems training operations.
• Cross Functional Integration
  • Coordinate closely with Training Program Manager, Military Operations Specialists, Mission Planners, Engineering & Autonomy Teams, Payload & Sensor Integrators, and Logistics & Field Support Personnel.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Provide technical and instructional oversight, quality review, and mentorship to junior trainers and contractor instructors.

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Aerospace/Systems Engineering, Military Science, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of education and relevant military/defense training experience.
• 5+ years of experience delivering technical or operational training in a defense, maritime, or unmanned systems context, including direct instructional delivery.
• Demonstrated experience independently evaluating trainee competency and making qualification determinations for complex technical systems or military operational platforms.
• Familiarity with Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodologies (ADDIE, SAM, or equivalent).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Active DoD Secret clearance, or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 50%) to support training events, exercises, and customer sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or other maritime service experience with surface warfare, expeditionary, or maritime patrol operations.
• Direct experience operating or instructing on Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), UAVs, or other autonomous systems.
• Master Training Specialist (MTS), Master Instructor, or equivalent instructional qualification.
• Familiarity with Navy/DoD training management systems (e.g., Navy e-learning, FLTMPS, ATRRS, or equivalent).
• Experience mentoring or supervising other instructors or trainers.
• Experience supporting T&E, JCTD, or OT&E programs.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions

• Ability to work outdoors in varying maritime environments, including aboard vessels and at waterfront facilities.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of training equipment and support materials.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work on vessel decks for extended periods during training events.
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to operate government or rental vehicles at training sites.

Pay

Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.