Senior USV Operations Trainer

Position Summary

The Senior USV Operations Trainer delivers, and helps shape, technical and operational training for Blue Ops INC's unmanned maritime systems programs, working under the direction of the Training Program Manager. This role serves as the organization's most experienced hands-on instructor, responsible for the direct delivery of complex classroom, laboratory, and field-based instruction; the qualification and evaluation of trainees against defined proficiency standards; and the mentorship and quality oversight of junior and contract instructors. The Senior Instructor exercises independent professional judgment in adapting instructional content, pacing, and assessment methods to ensure operators, technicians, and mission support staff are fully qualified to safely and effectively employ Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) systems in real-world defense environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction & Facilitation

• Independently plan and deliver classroom, laboratory, and field-based instruction on USV operations, autonomous systems behavior, mission planning, and safety procedures, exercising professional judgement in how content is sequenced and delivered.
• 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.
• Exercise discretion in adapting 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 as required, representing Blue Ops Inc as a senior instructional authority on-site.

Curriculum Contribution & Instructional Quality

• Apply Instructional Systems Design (IDS) methodologies to help develop, validate, and refine training products in coordination with the Training Program Manager.
• Independently 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 to the Training Program Manager on instructional effectiveness and content accuracy.

Trainee Evaluation & Qualification

• Assess trainee performance against defined proficiency standards and independently determine qualification or non-qualification outcomes.
• Exercise professional judgement in identifying at-risk trainees and determining 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, independently identifying root causes of performance gaps.

Mentorship & Instruction Development

• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and quality oversight to junior trainers and contractor instructors, reviewing their instructional delivery and providing corrective feedback.
• Support train-the-trainer programs, independently leading portions oof 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

• Independently 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/DoW, 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
• Logistics & Field Support Personnel

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position provides technical and instructional oversight, quality review, and mentorship to junior trainers and contractor instructors. It does not carry formal hiring, termination, or compensation authority; those responsibilities remain with the Training Program Manager and Director of Military Operations. Formal supervisory authority may be expanded based on program scope and staffing requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 (not solely program management).
• 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 DoW 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/DoW training management systems (e.g., Navy e-learning, FLTMPS, ATRRS, or equivalent).
• Experience mentoring or supervising other instructors or trainers.
• Experience supporting TOEE, 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.

  Background Check

• This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.
• EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
• Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
• E-Verify
• The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.
• Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.