Direct Support Operator (DSO) Instructor

Leidos; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 66,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Direct Support Operator Flight Instructor at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM to train 1A8 personnel for basic and mission qualifications, re-qualification, and instructor upgrades through classroom instruction, simulators, and airborne operations. Candidates must hold an active TS/SCI clearance, have 6+ years of relevant experience, and possess instructional expertise.

Strong communication, leadership, and proficiency with Patriot Excalibur (PEX), G/TIMS, and MS Office are

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in DSO/flight instruction or related roles.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required on Day 1.
• Proven instructional expertise with potential flight instructor background.
• Strong communication and leadership skills for high-performance teams.
• Ability to pass and maintain flight qualifications as directed.

Responsibilities

• Instruct Direct Support Operator for 1A8 personnel covering basic and mission qualifications, aircraft differences, re-qualification, and instructor upgrades.
• Deliver training on mission planning, flight safety, airmanship, threat warning, TTPs, and COMSEC procedures.
• Develop and refine classroom materials and simulator scenarios.
• Advise on military SOI development to keep content cutting-edge and relevant.
• Assess and log student performance; create remedial training plans as needed.
• Travel to support training locations and operations.

Skills

Instructional expertise

Leadership

Clear communication

Flight instruction experience

Customer service

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Patriot Excalibur (PEX)

Graduate / Training Integration Management System (G/TIMS)

Microsoft 365 Office Suite

Job description

Description

Step into a mission-critical role where your expertise drives real-world impact!

Leidos is excited to offer an exciting opportunity for a talented instructor to join our team as a Direct Support Operator (DSO) Flight Instructor at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. In this role, you’ll be at the center of preparing Career Enlisted Aviators to operate the Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS) Air and next-generation systems. This position blends impactful classroom instruction, immersive simulator training, and mission-focused airborne operations—giving you the chance to directly influence aviators heading into meaningful real-world missions. Candidates must hold an active Top Secret/SCI clearance to be considered.

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 engaging 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.

• Assess 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:

• 6+ years of experience. In addition to former DSO instructors or operators, we welcome former TSO operators/instructors, as well as former RJ, Compass Call, and Airborne Instructors.

• 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.

• Proven instructional expertise, ideally with prior flight instructor experience.

• Strong customer service skills, navigating interactions with military officers and civilian managers.

• Ability to lead independently while thriving within a high-performance, dynamic team.

• Strong 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).

If you’re ready to train, mentor, and shape the future of airborne cryptologic technicians, this is your opportunity to make an impact in a high-stakes mission environment.

AMSOPP1

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

July 31, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $65,650.00 - $118,675.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

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 [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to 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.

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