Head of Training Pilot Academy

NIF; Leiria, Caldas da Rainha; Remote; EUR 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal allowance

Health insurance for employees

Shuttle transport service

Company bonus

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The NIF seeks a Head of Training Academy - UAS Pilot Trainer to create and run an academy for TEKEVER’s unmanned systems. You will lead instructors, design programs, and ensure compliance with EASA/ANAC and NATO standards while delivering both theoretical and practical UAS training.

You will manage content development, assess trainees, coordinate sessions, and maintain training records, with travel across Europe. Fluency in Portuguese and English is required.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in aviation or UAS, with leadership of instruction teams or flight operations.
• Eligibility to obtain NATO SECRET security accreditation.
• Knowledge of EASA and ANAC regulations applicable to UAS operations.
• Fluency in Portuguese and English.
• Willingness to travel within Europe.

Responsibilities

• Define the academy's strategy and operating model.
• Lead the team of instructors and content development.
• Design training and certification programs based on information from Product and Engineering teams.
• Ensure training complies with EASA/ANAC rules and NATO standards.
• Plan, prepare and deliver theoretical and practical training for UAS/drone operations.
• Develop and update training content, presentations and materials.
• Support and assess trainees throughout the training process.
• Plan and coordinate training sessions, including simulator and flight training.
• Maintain training records and training evidence.
• Support logistics of training activities.
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering to keep training content up to date.

Skills

Leadership experience

UAS/Aviation expertise

Flight operations

Regulatory knowledge

Willingness to travel

Portuguese and English fluency

Education

Certified Pedagogical Skills (CCP) or equivalent teaching qualification

Job description

The NIF backs the companies building the next generation of defence, security and resilience technology.These are their open roles

Why This Matters — These are not ordinary technology jobs. The companies in the NIF portfolio arebuilding capabilities that Allied nations depend on — and they are hiring the people who will make thatpossible.

Note: Roles listed here are with the NIF portfolio companies, not with NATO Innovation Funddirectly.

We are looking for a Head of Training Academy - UAS Pilot Trainer to join the team responsible for training pilots and operators of TEKEVER’s unmanned systems.

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating and setting up the academy as well as preparing and delivering theoretical and practical training, supporting and assessing trainees, and ensuring that all training activities comply with applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

What will be your responsibilities:

Define the academy's strategy and operating model.

Lead the team of instructors and content development.

Design training and certification programs based on information gathered from the Product and Engineering teams.

Ensure that training complies with EASA/ANAC rules and applicable NATO standards.

Plan, prepare and deliver theoretical and practical training for UAS/drone operations.

Develop and update training content, presentations and training materials.

Support and assess trainees throughout the training process.

Plan and coordinate training sessions, including simulator and flight training.

Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations.

Maintain training records, including attendance, assessments and training evidence.

Support the organisation and logistics of training activities.

Work closely with Product and Engineering teams to keep training content technically accurate and up to date.

Profile and requirements:

At least 10 years in aviation or UAS, with experience leading instruction teams or flight operations.

Experience creating technical training programs.

Eligibility to obtain NATO SECRET security accreditation.

Experience in training, instruction or technical knowledge transfer.

Good knowledge of operational safety and flight planning.

Knowledge of EASA and ANAC regulations applicable to UAS operations.

Certified Pedagogical Skills (CCP) or equivalent teaching qualification.

Valid Category B driving licence.

Willingness to travel within Europe.

Fluency in Portuguese and English.

What we have to offer you

• A dynamic and collaborative working environment, with the opportunity to make a real impact
• A competitive salary package, aligned with your proven level of experience
• Meal allowance and health insurance for employees
• Shuttle transport service to the offices in Leiria, Caldas da Rainha and Ponte de Sor
• Bonus in line with company policy
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Compensation within the posted salary range will be determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and work location, consistent with applicable laws.

Employment offers may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check and reference verification, in accordance with applicable laws and company policy.

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