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Defensive Tactics Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Space Operations Instructor

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

Integrate changes to doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) into course materials on ... Previous assignment at, or direct support to, the National Space Defense Center (NSDC) * Experience ...

Space Operations Instructor

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

Integrate changes to doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) into course materials on ... Previous assignment at, or direct support to, the National Space Defense Center (NSDC) * Experience ...

Space Operations Instructor

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

Integrate changes to doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) into course materials on ... Previous assignment at, or direct support to, the National Space Defense Center (NSDC) * Experience ...

FPV Instructor

Coronado, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Department of State (DoS) demand for highly skilled ... Contribute operational insight on kinetic FPV employment, cUAS tactics, and current battlefield ...

Cyberspace/Cyberwarfare Instructor

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Integrate changes to doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) into course materials on ... Defense or Cyber Operations. Clearance Level: TS/SCI clearance eligibility is required

Executive Protection Medic

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Instructor credentials in medical or tactical disciplines * Advanced driving, defensive tactics, or covert protection training * Benefits: * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance * Competitive ...

Executive Protection Medic

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Instructor credentials in medical or tactical disciplines * Advanced driving, defensive tactics, or covert protection training * Benefits: * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance * Competitive ...

Cyberspace/Cyberwarfare Instructor

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

Integrate changes to doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) into course materials on ... Defense or Cyber Operations. Clearance Level: TS/SCI clearance eligibility is required Salary ...

Executive Protection Medic

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Instructor credentials in medical or tactical disciplines * Advanced driving, defensive tactics, or covert protection training * Benefits: * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance * Competitive ...

Senior Warfare Analyst

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Defense requirements staff, acquisition communities, Science and Technology (S&T) organizations ... Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (required) * Weapon School or WTI tour (required) * Foreign ...

Senior Warfare Analyst

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Defense requirements staff, acquisition communities, Science and Technology (S&T) organizations ... Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (required) * Weapon School or WTI tour (required) * Foreign ...

Senior Warfare Analyst

Coronado, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Defense requirements staff, acquisition communities, Science and Technology (S&T) organizations ... Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (required) * Weapon School or WTI tour (required) * Foreign ...

Senior Warfare Analyst

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Defense requirements staff, acquisition communities, Science and Technology (S&T) organizations ... Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (required) * Weapon School or WTI tour (required) * Foreign ...

Senior Warfare Analyst

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Defense requirements staff, acquisition communities, Science and Technology (S&T) organizations ... Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (required) * Weapon School or WTI tour (required) * Foreign ...

Senior Warfare Analyst

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Defense requirements staff, acquisition communities, Science and Technology (S&T) organizations ... Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (required) * Weapon School or WTI tour (required) * Foreign ...

Senior Warfare Analyst

Coronado, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Defense requirements staff, acquisition communities, Science and Technology (S&T) organizations ... Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (required) * Weapon School or WTI tour (required) * Foreign ...

Senior Warfare Analyst

Coronado, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Defense requirements staff, acquisition communities, Science and Technology (S&T) organizations ... Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (required) * Weapon School or WTI tour (required) * Foreign ...

Showing results 21-40

Defensive Tactics Instructor information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$56

How much do defensive tactics instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for defensive tactics instructor in California is $27.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defensive tactics instructor?

A Defensive Tactics Instructor is responsible for training law enforcement, military personnel, or security professionals in techniques for self-defense, control tactics, and suspect apprehension. They teach strategies to de-escalate confrontations, properly use force, and ensure officer and public safety. Instructors typically have expertise in martial arts, law enforcement procedures, and physical conditioning. Their role includes conducting hands-on training, developing curriculum, and staying current with legal and tactical updates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defensive tactics instructor?

To thrive as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of self-defense techniques, physical fitness, and instructional expertise, usually backed by relevant law enforcement, military, or martial arts certifications. Familiarity with training weapons, safety equipment, use-of-force simulators, and documentation systems is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and manage high-pressure scenarios. These competencies are critical to ensuring safe, impactful training and preparing students for real-world defensive situations.

What are some common challenges faced by defensive tactics instructors?

Defensive Tactics Instructors often face the challenge of adapting their teaching methods to suit trainees with differing physical abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels. They must ensure that all exercises are conducted safely, minimizing the risk of injury while maintaining program effectiveness. Instructors are also responsible for staying updated with evolving best practices, legal standards, and agency policies regarding use-of-force. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as they frequently collaborate with other instructors and coordinate with department leadership to deliver comprehensive training programs. These aspects make the role both demanding and rewarding for those passionate about safety and professional development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in California? The most popular types of Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Defensive Tactics Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,188 per year, or $28 per hour.

Space Operations Instructor

Prevailance

Lompoc, CA โ€ข On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description:

This position is contingent upon contract award. Multiple positions available.


Duties

The Space Operations Instructor serves as a subject matter expert and primary educator, responsible for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of formal technical training in one or more of the following mission areas:

  • Space Operations Fundamentals
  • Orbital Warfare
  • Space Electronic Warfare
  • Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
  • Space Battle Management / Command and Control (SBM/C2)
  • Satellite Communications Operations
  • Navigation Warfare / Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (NAVWAR/PNT)

The instructor develops and trains Space Force Guardians and joint service personnel to execute space operations in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments.


Course Instructor

  • Act as SME and deliver course of instruction for assigned subject area(s); Participate in capstone/graduation exercise
  • Develop, review, and update Training Plans (TPs), Lesson Plans (LPs), and Training Standards (TSs).
  • Integrate changes to doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) into course materials on a recurring basis
  • Participate in training advisory boards, curriculum reviews, and training effectiveness evaluations
  • Develop and maintain training aids, multimedia content, and e-learning modules
  • Serve as an evaluator for student and instructor standardization and evaluation.
  • Maintain qualification and currency in assigned courses; complete required continuing education and professional development

Administration & Coordination

  • Track and report student progression, graduation rates, and course metrics to unit leadership
  • Maintain required documentation, records management, and applicable USSF directives
Requirements:

Required Qualification

  • Minimum of five (5) years in a specific mission area
  • Minimum of three (3) years as an instructor in a formal military school, university, or professional development setting; or five (5) years as a briefer/public speaker. A brief demonstration of public speaking will be required within 30 days of contract start to validate abilities.
  • Skill in designing and delivering formal instruction to adult learners using multiple modalities (lecture, scenario, simulation, lab).
  • Skill in using learning management systems, distributed training systems, simulator platforms, and computer-based training (CBT) tools.
  • Five (5) or more years of operational space experience with increasing responsibility
  • Experience with curriculum development, or formal course design
  • Knowledge of space operations doctrine, strategy, and national security space policy applicable to USSF/USAF missions.
  • Operational experience in a deployed or joint environment integrating space capabilities with ground and air forces
  • Ability to analyze complex technical content and translate it into clear, sequenced instruction aligned to performance objectives.
  • Skill in writing, editing, and maintaining curriculum documentation to Air Force/Space Force instructional systems design standards.
  • Ability to evaluate student performance objectively, provide constructive feedback, and identify remediation requirements.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with orbital warfare concepts, tactics development, or USSF Space Doctrine development activities
  • Familiarity with USSF Space Warfighting Framework, USSPACECOM Campaign Plan, or Joint targeting procedures
  • Participation in USSPACECOM exercises (e.g., Global Sentinel, Schriever Wargame) or relevant red team/blue team activities
  • Previous assignment at, or direct support to, the Combined Space Ops Center (CSpOC (or legacy JSPOC)) in an operational or staff capacity
  • Previous assignment at, or direct support to, the National Space Defense Center (NSDC)
  • Experience in counterspace operations, electronic warfare effects on space systems, or offensive/defensive space control mission planning.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of satellite communications systems, waveform technologies, and military SATCOM network architectures.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of GPS/PNT systems, NAVWAR operations, electronic warfare principles, and spectrum management.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelors degree in STEM, Space related field, International Relations, or National Security studies
  • Completed National Security Space Institute (NSSI) Space 300 (Capstone Course) or equivalent advanced space education

Clearance Level: TS/SCI clearance eligibility is required