USV Operations Trainer

Position Summary

The USV Operations Trainer delivers technical and operational training for Blue Ops Inc’s unmanned maritime systems programs under the direction of the Senior Instructor(s) and Training Program Manager. This role is responsible for delivering established curriculum, supporting hands-on operator qualification training, and evaluating trainee performance against defined proficiency standards. The instructor exercises professional judgement in adapting delivery and assessment to individual trainees within the framework set by the Senior Instructor(s).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction & Facilitation

• Deliver classroom, laboratory and field-based instruction on USV operations, autonomous systems behavior, mission planning, and safety procedures, using training materials and lesson plans developed by the Training Program Manager and Senior Instructor(s).
• Support and co-lead scenario-based and simulation-supported training exercises that replicate real-world operational environments.
• Deliver hands-on operator qualification training, including command-and-control interface operations, telemetry monitoring and contingency response, under the technical oversight of the Senior Instructor(s).
• Exercise judgement in adapting pacing, examples, and remediation approaches to accommodate trainees with varying technical backgrounds and experience levels.
• Conduct training at customer sites, government installations, and exercise locations as assigned.

Trainee Evaluation & Qualification

• Assess trainee performance against defined proficiency standards, exercising independent professional judgement in scoring and qualification recommendations.
• Identify at-risk trainees and recommend remediation or retraining approaches to the Senior Instructor(s).
• Maintain accurate trainee attendance, performance, and certification records in the training management system.
• Contribute observations and feedback to after-action reviews and post-training assessments.

Curriculum Support

• Provide field-informed feedback to the Senior Instructor(s) and Training Program Manager on the accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness of existing training materials.
• Prepare training environments, equipment, and materials for scheduled instructional events.
• Support development of quick-reference materials and supplemental training aids under the direction of senior instructional staff.

Government & Customer Training Support

• Support delivery of training events for government customers and mission partners alongside the Senior Instructor(s) or Training Program Manager.
• Provide post-training reach-back support to trained personnel operating in field or deployed environments, as assigned.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Enforce range safety procedures and emergency response protocols during instructional events, with authority to halt or modify an activity for immediate safety concerns.
• Maintain currency with applicable OSHA, Navy/DoW, and FAA regulations relevant to unmanned systems training operations.
• Promote a safety-first culture during all training activities.

Cross Functional Integration

• Coordinate closely with:
• Senior Instructor(s) and Training Program Manager
• Military Operations Specialists & Mission Planners
• Engineering & Autonomy Teams
• Logistics & Field Support Personnel

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no formal supervisory authority over other employees. It may provide informal peer guidance to contract or newly onboarded instructional support staff under the direction of the Senior Instructor(s).

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.
• 1-3 years of experience in technical or operational training delivery, or equivalent operational experience with USVs, UAVs, or comparable defense/maritime systems.
• Ability to learn and apply Instructional System Design (ISD) fundamentals under supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts clearly to varied 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.
• Hands-on experience operating Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), UAVs, or other autonomous systems.
• Coursework or certification toward 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).

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: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.