Technical Operations Instructor with Security Clearance

Nightwing; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k plan

PTO

Holidays

Job summary

Nightwing seeks an experienced Technical Operations Instructor and SME to support field-based training in Sterling, VA, with frequent CONUS travel. The role demands extensive hands-on operational expertise in RF collection concepts, instructional leadership, and program development to enhance hands-on collection proficiency.

The ideal candidate will lead technical training, mentor junior personnel, and advance the training program with a strong emphasis on adult learning principles and

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Education, or related technical discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with full-scope polygraph.
• 10+ years of IC/classified operational experience.
• Experience integrating, testing, deploying and supporting technical collection equipment.
• Experience as a technical operations instructor with Training of Trainers (ToT).

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on operational leadership within technical training and field operations teams across projects.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead field training activities including fixed and mobile operations and RF signal collection.
• Train and mentor junior officers in operational tradecraft and leadership principles of hands-on collection operations.
• Develop and deliver training to build officers' knowledge, technical proficiency and on-site performance.
• Serve as a tactical intelligence SME, project lead, or operational leadership in training programs.
• Apply field experience to improve training methodologies, processes, and capabilities.
• Maintain professional tradecraft and pursue continuous learning and certification.
• Support program maturation by developing new capabilities and mentoring instructors.

Skills

RF collection

Field operations

Training

Technical leadership

Adult learning

Travel readiness

Education

Degree in Engineering, Education, or related technical discipline

Tools

Programming concepts

Simulation software

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing is seeking a highly experienced subject matter expert Technical Operations Instructor and Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support field-based training operations in Sterling, Virginia, with frequent CONUS travel required. The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands-on operational experience and a strong background in technical instruction, field operations, and industrial system design and support. Working as part of a team of instructors and technical professionals, the candidate will develop and deliver high-quality, engaging, and effective training experiences designed to build office-level operational capability and proficiency in hands-on collection operations. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of RF collection concepts and tradecraft, including radio-frequency propagation, modulation and demodulation, signal collection, processing, filtering, and collaboration with collection analysis organizations. The candidate should also bring demonstrated leadership, administrative, and logistical experience gained through substantial hands-on application of collection theory and operational practices. In addition to technical expertise, the candidate should have a strong understanding of adult learning principles and demonstrated experience training, mentoring, and developing junior personnel in the application of technical concepts and operational tradecraft. The Technical Operations Instructor will be responsible for delivering advanced, hands-on technical and operational training and supporting the continued development and maturation of the training program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Key Responsibilities: Provide significant hands-on operational experience and leadership within technical training and field operations teams supporting multiple projects. Plan, coordinate, and lead field training activities, including fixed and mobile operations, supporting the collection of RF signals. Train and mentor junior officers in operational tradecraft, technical capabilities, and leadership principles associated with hands‑on collection operations. Develop and deliver training that builds operational officers' knowledge, technical proficiency, and demonstrated ability to perform effectively in hands‑on operational environments. Provide operator training for the integration, test, deployment, and support of signals intelligence collection equipment and specialized field packages in operational environments. Serve as a tactical intelligence tradecraft SME, project lead, or in an equivalent operational leadership capacity. Apply extensive field experience to identify opportunities to improve training methodologies, operational processes, technical capabilities, and overall program effectiveness. Maintain and enhance professional tradecraft, technical knowledge, and instructional skills through continuous learning, certification, and hands‑on experience. Support the continued growth and maturation of the program by developing new capabilities, refining training standards, and mentoring team members and future instructors. Required Qualifications * Degree in Engineering, Education, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with a full‑scope polygraph, with the polygraph completed within the past 10 years.
• More than 10 years of experience supporting the Intelligence Community in classified operational environments. Extensive field experience supporting technical collection or signals intelligence operations.
• Prior experience integrating, testing, deploying and supporting technical collection equipment in the field.
• Demonstrated experience managing technical equipment, data security, physical security, and operational training requirements.
• Demonstrated experience as a technical operations instructor, including Training of Trainers (ToT) experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Working knowledge of programming concepts and simulation software applicable to technical training and operational environments.
• Demonstrated adaptability and the ability to respond effectively to changing operational and training requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel to CONUS customer and training sites as required.
• Relevant technical, operational, or intelligence tradecraft certifications, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe, secure, professional, and effective training environment.

Desired Qualifications * Advanced degree in Engineering, Education, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Salary & Benefits The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards. Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances. Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.