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Defensive Tactics Instructor Jobs in Washington, DC

AIML Instructor - Senior

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

... training, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Key Responsibilities * Provide formal ... of Defense or Intelligence Community. * Experience integrating AI/ML tools such as Maven Smart ...

... training, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Key Responsibilities * Provide formal ... of Defense or Intelligence Community. * Experience integrating AI/ML tools such as Maven Smart ...

Security Trainer (85581)

Lanham, MD · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Must be a certified instructor for CPR, AED and Adult First Aid (certifications accepted include ... Physically able to perform activities to include running, jumping, defensive tactic movements ...

As a Space Operations Trainer & Instructor supporting a critical space warfighting mission, you ... and tactics required to support flight safety, intelligence, and mission protection missions.

As a Space Operations Trainer & Instructor supporting a critical space warfighting mission, you ... and tactics required to support flight safety, intelligence, and mission protection missions.

Tactical Trainer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

Understanding of USMC combined arms tactics; tactics, techniques, and procedures * Experience with ... Experience in Instructor Development, Curriculum development, and exercise design to all areas of ...

Tactical Trainer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

Understanding of USMC combined arms tactics; tactics, techniques, and procedures * Experience with ... Experience in Instructor Development, Curriculum development, and exercise design to all areas of ...

Showing results 41-60

Defensive Tactics Instructor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$32

$64

How much do defensive tactics instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for defensive tactics instructor in Washington, DC is $32.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $35.96 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Washington, DC? For Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Defensive Tactics Instructor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,778 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

AIML Instructor - Senior

Peraton

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities
Empower the Next Generation of Space Operators with AI/ML Capabilities - Help prepare the next generation of space operators to succeed in one of the most challenging national security environments. As an AIML Instructor supporting a critical space warfighting mission, you will play a vital role in developing the operational expertise, technical proficiency, and mission readiness of personnel responsible for protecting national security space assets.
As a member of a dedicated training team, you will deliver world-class instruction and hands-on learning experiences that enable operators, intelligence professionals, and mission protection specialists to leverage cutting-edge AI/ML tools with confidence in a contested and rapidly evolving space domain. Your expertise will directly influence operational effectiveness by ensuring personnel are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and workflows required to integrate AI/ML capabilities into their daily mission execution.
Beyond instruction, you will help shape the future of operational training by developing innovative courseware, documenting AI/ML workflows, and driving process and efficiency improvements across the enterprise. Working alongside operations, engineering, and mission leadership teams, you will serve as a trusted technical resource, helping bridge the gap between emerging AI/ML technologies and operational application.
Successful candidates are passionate educators, lifelong learners, and mission professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and are committed to advancing warfighter readiness through the thoughtful integration of AI/ML tools and continuous improvement of training, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide formal instruction on AI/ML tools available to classified operations, ensuring personnel develop the proficiency needed to apply these capabilities effectively within their operational work centers.
  • Integrate AI/ML tools into tailored work areas, customizing implementation approaches to align with mission-specific workflows, data environments, and operational requirements.
  • Document AI/ML workflow procedures, best practices, and lessons learned to drive process and efficiency improvements across the organization.
  • Develop and maintain engaging training materials, courseware, lesson plans, and instructional documentation that support AI/ML proficiency and mission readiness.
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert on AI/ML platforms, tools, and applications relevant to classified space operations.
  • Identify and communicate training gaps, workflow deficiencies, and opportunities to further leverage AI/ML capabilities to enhance mission effectiveness.
  • Participate in training reviews, operational update briefings, strategic planning sessions, and mission-focused demonstrations.
  • Provide supplemental instruction, mentorship, and individualized training support to operators as AI/ML tools and mission needs evolve.
  • Collaborate closely with operations, intelligence, engineering, and mission protection teams to ensure AI/ML training and integration efforts remain aligned with current and future mission objectives.
  • Maintain advanced proficiency in AI/ML systems and continuously adapt training programs to reflect emerging technologies, tools, and mission requirements.

*This position is contingent upon contract award.*
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 16 years w/o a degree or 14 years with AS/AA or 12 years with BS/BA or 10 years with MS/MA or 8 years with Ph.D.
  • 3+ year of formal instructor, trainer, or curriculum development experience.
  • Demonstrated experience working with AI/ML tools, platforms, or applications in an operational or analytical environment.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience supporting space operations, intelligence analysis, or related mission areas within the Department of Defense or Intelligence Community.
  • Experience integrating AI/ML tools such as Maven Smart System or similar platforms into classified operational workflows.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into effective, mission-focused training programs.
  • Experience managing training programs, qualification standards, or operational certification processes.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and instructional content development tools.
  • Experience working with military and civilian personnel across multiple organizations, disciplines, and leadership levels.

Why This Role Matters
AI and machine learning are transforming how national security missions are planned, executed, and assessed. As an AIML-1 Senior Instructor, you will be at the center of that transformation ensuring that the operators and analysts protecting our nation's most critical space assets are equipped to harness these capabilities with speed, precision, and confidence.
Work Location: Fort Belvoir
Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

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At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017