Direct Support Operator (DSO) Instructor

Via Logic LLC; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 66,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque seeks a Direct Support Operator Flight Instructor to prepare 1A8 personnel for basic and mission qualifications, with classroom and simulator instruction and travel to training locations.

Candidates must hold an active TS/SCI clearance and bring strong instructional and leadership skills, plus experience with MS Office and flight-training software. Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in DSO/instructor roles or related aviation training.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required on Day 1.
• Flight instructor experience preferred with military training background.
• Ability to develop and refine instruction materials and simulators.
• Proven ability to lead and work in high-performance teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Direct Support Operator Instructor training 1A8 personnel for qualifications.
• Deliver training on mission planning, flight safety, and threat concepts.
• Develop and update classroom and simulator training materials.
• Advise on SOI content to stay mission-relevant and current.
• Assess student performance and plan individualized remedial training.

Skills

Active TS/SCI clearance

Flight instructor experience

Instructional expertise

Leadership

Strong communication

Microsoft 365 / office software

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Patriot Excalibur (PEX)

Graduate / Training Integration Management System (G/TIMS)

Microsoft 365 Office Suite

Job 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.

Pay Range

Pay Range $65,650.00 - $118,675.00

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.

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.