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AC-130J Contract Instructor (CI) Pilot

NOVA Technologies
NOVA Technologies Salary
Albuquerque, NM Full Time
POSTED ON 4/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/3/2026

AC-130J Contract Instructor (CI) Pilot

Location: Kirtland AFB, NM

Clearance: Active DoW Secret

Travel: <10%


Summary/Objective

NOVA Technologies is seeking AC-130J Ghostrider-qualified Contract Instructor (CI) Pilots to support the Kirtland Davis-Monthan Andrews Moody Aircrew Training and Rehearsal System – Courseware and Instruction (KDAM ATARS C&I) program at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM. In this role, the CI Pilot provides high-quality, mission-focused AC-130J aircraft systems and operational procedures instruction, formal training, and mission rehearsal training across aircraft, classroom, simulator, and other training environments. The CI Pilot serves as a subject matter expert for one of the Air Force's most operationally complex and mission-critical special operations airframes, supporting the training pipeline that prepares AFSOC aircrew for combat employment of the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.


Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential job functions for this position include:

•       Provide AC-130J aircraft systems and operational procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, simulator, and/or other practical training environments.

•       Conduct Academic Instruction, Simulator Instruction, and Flight Line Instruction. As well as participate in Observation Flights in support of student qualification and upgrade training.

•       Serve as subject matter expert for AC-130J mission employment, systems, tactics, and procedures, including close air support (CAS), air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance mission sets.

•       Assist in the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) process for designing and developing AC-130J courseware and updating Instructor Guides; ensure courseware is correctly applied and current with applicable directives.

•       Review existing lessons and proposed changes to existing lessons as a Lesson SME; provide recommendations to improve and update training policies and procedures.

•       Evaluate, diagnose, and critique student performance; identify learning difficulties; recognize when training objectives have not been accomplished; and prescribe and conduct remedial instruction.

•       Provide air traffic control services and radio calls during instruction that are IAW the current edition of Federal Aviation Administration Order (FAAO) 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, or applicable International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) manuals and circulars for OCONUS sites.

•       Conduct Instrument Refresher Courses (IRC) IAW AFMAN 11-210 and AFMAN 11-202V2_ACCSUP, AFMAN 11-202V2_AETCSUP, AFMAN 11-202V2_AFGSCSUP, and AFMAN 11-202V2AFDWSUP as supplemented.

•       Conduct Cockpit/Crew Resource Management (CRM) courses IAW AFMAN 11-290 and MAJCOM Supplement. Crewmembers are required to take CRM recurring/refresher training IAW AFMAN 11-2 Mission Design Series (MDS)-Specific Volumes 1 & 2.

•       Assess, diagnose, critique, and document student performance, identify learning difficulties, recognize objectives not accomplished, and prescribe and conduct remedial instruction as required.

•       Operate an ATD Instructor Operator Station console and serve as “Stick Shaker” co-pilot position maintain proficiency in operation of essential Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs).

•       Conduct ground training for crewmembers including Combat Systems Officers (CSOs), Weapon Systems Operators (WSOs), sensor operators, and other crew positions as required.

•       Assist in the development of curriculum for new type courses as required.

•       Perform administrative duties including scheduling, record keeping, monitoring and documenting student progress, counseling, quality assurance, safety, security, and maintenance of training programs and equipment.

•       Support quality audits, publications reviews, Flight Crew Information File (FCIF) management, and safety programs as assigned.

•       Maintain proficiency in instrument procedures, takeoff and landing, and emergency procedures applicable to the AC-130J.

•       Participate in biennial observation flights in Mission Essential Personnel (MEP) status aboard aircraft as required.

•       Promote a positive learning environment and embrace new technologies, methods, and training approaches.

•       Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Required skills and abilities to effectively perform this position include, but are not limited to:

•       Demonstrated ability to instruct, evaluate, and remediate aircrew across academic, simulator, and flight environments.

•       Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical manuals, Air Force instructions, tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), and professional aviation literature.

•       Strong communication skills; ability to effectively present complex technical information to students, management, and government customers.

•       Ability to establish instructor credibility with a highly experienced AFSOC/special operations student population.

•       Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and training management software; familiarity with simulator operation and aircrew training device systems.

•       Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

•       Familiarity with the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) process and courseware development practices.

•       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team of contractor and government instructors.

•       Strong organizational skills and attention

 

Education and Experience

•       Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent Military experience.

•       Current as a Pilot in the AC-130J within the previous two (2) years; OR within the previous eight (8) years if the candidate has performed eight (8) or more years of military operational flying duty at the time of hire, with at least two (2) years or 200 flight hours of experience as an in-flight instructor in the AC-130J.

•       Minimum total flight time: 1,000 hours military pilot.

•       Completion of AETC approved graduate evaluation program IAW AETCI 36-2605 series and/or AETCI 36-2606 as well as approved syllabi preferred.

•       Completion of a formal USAF Instructor Pilot training course is preferred(e.g., formal FTU IP upgrade, Pilot Instructor Training, or equivalent).

•       Deep knowledge of AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft systems, mission employment, and operational procedures including CAS, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance.

•       Must be eligible for and able to maintain the required DoW Secret security clearance.

•       Preferred experience as an AC-130J Evaluator Pilot (EP) or Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) examiner.

•       Preferred prior experience as a contractor instructor pilot on a DoD aviation training program.

•       Familiarity with AFSOC tactics, techniques, and procedures; knowledge of AFSOC Mission Qualification Training (MQT) standards.

•       Preferred experience with courseware development, ISD processes, or curriculum revision in a formal training unit (FTU) or equivalent environment.

•       Graduate of the USAF Weapons School or AFSOC advanced training programs a plus.

 

Note on Currency: Candidates currently serving on active duty and approaching retirement, recently separated, or who have transitioned to civilian careers but retain AC-130J qualifications are encouraged to apply. Currency waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis consistent with program requirements.

 

Work Environment, Programs, and Tools

This position is based onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM and requires adherence to Government site hours of operation. The work environment includes classroom settings, full-motion flight simulators, and aircraft flight line environments.

 

Employees must be physically able to enter and operate within simulator environments, including tolerance of simulator motion, and must be able to stand and conduct academic instruction for up to six (6) hours per day.

 

The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to operate controls; reach with hands and arms; and communicate clearly. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, and stoop. Must be able to regularly lift/move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position covered under the IAMAW Local 794 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Standard schedule is 40 hours per week in accordance with Government site operating hours. The ability to work overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required in support of program needs.

 

Travel

Domestic travel may occasionally be required in support of program needs, observation flights, or training activities. Travel is estimated at less than 10% of work time.

 

Security Clearance

An active DoW Secret security clearance is required. Candidates must be eligible for and able to maintain the required clearance level. The ability to obtain and maintain clearance eligibility is a condition of employment. NOVA Technologies will work with candidates on clearance continuity and portability as applicable

 

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of activities, duties, responsibilities, and standards required of this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

AAP/EEO Statement

NOVA Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity, consistent with Title VII), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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