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Special Operations Instructor Jobs in California

MSCCN

Chief Space Operations Instructor

Edwards, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

The incumbent is the senior functional space operations instructor and provides the technical ... Employee needs to obtain and maintain approval to access the portfolio of Special Access Programs ...

SkyBridge Tactical

FPV Instructor

Coronado, CA

SkyBridge Tactical is seeking experienced FPV Instructors to support Naval Special Warfare-focused training operations. This role supports first-person-view unmanned systems instruction, curriculum ...

Advanced College

Biology Instructor

Salida, CA

Ensure the academic department achieves its operational and budgetary projections while maintaining ... Attend orientation, graduation ceremonies and special events as scheduled. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced College

Biology Instructor

Salida, CA · On-site

Ensure the academic department achieves its operational and budgetary projections while maintaining ... Attend orientation, graduation ceremonies and special events as scheduled POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

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Special Operations Instructor information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special operations instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Operations Instructor, you need extensive experience in military or law enforcement special operations, advanced tactical proficiency, and often a relevant certification or instructor qualification. Familiarity with specialized training equipment, simulation systems, and weapons platforms is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to adapt instruction to diverse learning styles are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure instructors can deliver rigorous, realistic training that prepares personnel for high-risk, dynamic operational environments.

What is a special operations instructor?

Special Operations Instructors are professionals who train military, law enforcement, or specialized security personnel in advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures used in special operations. Their role involves teaching skills such as close-quarters combat, weapons handling, survival, evasion, and mission planning. They often have extensive operational experience and use realistic training scenarios to prepare individuals or teams for high-risk and complex missions. These instructors ensure that trainees are equipped to handle challenging environments and situations encountered during special operations.

What are some common challenges faced by special operations instructors during training sessions?

Special Operations Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting training methods to diverse skill levels, maintaining high safety standards during physically demanding exercises, and ensuring engagement in both classroom and field environments. Balancing the need for rigorous, realistic scenarios with risk management is crucial, especially when instructing candidates with varying backgrounds. Additionally, instructors frequently collaborate with other military and civilian professionals to coordinate logistics, support specialized equipment needs, and integrate feedback for continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Special Operations Instructor vs Military Training Instructor?

AspectSpecial Operations InstructorMilitary Training Instructor
CredentialsSpecialized military or law enforcement certifications, advanced tactical trainingBasic military training certifications, instructor qualifications
Work EnvironmentSpecial operations units, tactical training facilities, high-intensity environmentsBasic training centers, military bases, classroom and field settings
Employer & IndustryMilitary special operations units, government agenciesMilitary branches, defense training programs

Special Operations Instructors focus on advanced tactical skills for elite units, often requiring specialized certifications and experience. Military Training Instructors typically teach basic military skills to recruits. While both roles involve tactical instruction, Special Operations Instructors operate in more specialized, high-stakes environments, whereas Military Training Instructors focus on foundational military training.

How to become a special operations instructor?

To become a special operations instructor, candidates typically need prior military or law enforcement experience, specialized training, and certifications such as tactical combat casualty care or advanced weapons handling. Physical fitness, leadership skills, and the ability to operate in high-stress environments are also essential. Many instructors gain experience through operational roles before transitioning into training positions within special operations units.
What are popular job titles related to Special Operations Instructor jobs in California? For Special Operations Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Special Operations Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Special Operations Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Special Operations Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Special Operations Instructor job openings:
Special Operations Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Operations Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Chief Space Operations Instructor

MSCCN

Edwards, CA • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description


Purpose of position:
Serve as the Test Pilot School's (TPS) nationally/internationally recognized technical expert in space domain test and evaluation operations. The incumbent is the senior functional space operations instructor and provides the technical expertise, corporate knowledge, and long term continuity for all space test techniques and on-console instructional methods taught by the USAF TPS to include all simulator training, operational instructional methods and space test techniques taught by all space operations instructors including both resident staff and guest instructors in support of a 48-week Master's Degree program.
Duties:
Provides expert advice to the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, Technical Director, and Division Chiefs regarding technical adequacy and scope of all space operations instructional methods, including all simulator training, taught by all resident (TPS staff) and guest instructors. Serves as the organizational point of contact and liaison with the base personnel flight on military and civilian personnel issues.
Lead curriculum development and execution of hands-on software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and/or on-orbit test and evaluation of satellites and space-domain ground systems.
Represent Test Pilot School as a recognized technical expert at national and international symposium and conferences.
Ensures curriculum aligns with current USSF operations and test & evaluation practices.
Knowledge and skills for the position:
Advanced technical knowledge (to include sufficient depth and breath) and a demonstrated mastery in space domain test and evaluation techniques.
Expert technical knowledge and demonstrated expert skills to operate, maintain qualification in, and provide advanced test technique instruction in multiple and dissimilar space systems, as required by the training requirement of the USAF TPS.
Advanced knowledge, skill and ability in test theory, space test techniques/methods/procedures used to evaluate research, prototype and production space domain vehicles and systems.
Advanced knowledge of all applicable regulations, laws and directives governing the conduct of space test operations.
Advanced knowledge, skill and ability to conduct basic and advanced ground and on-orbit test instruction to include theory, planning, techniques, and execution and to evaluate a student's progress throughout all phases of student training.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing, as well as work in a professional manner with peers, management, contractors, academia, and other agencies; as well as the ability to provide oral briefings, classroom lectures, and highly technical guidance to Test Pilot School students and staff.
Certificates/Security Clearances/Other
U.S. citizenship
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret w/SCI clearance.
Employee needs to obtain and maintain approval to access the portfolio of Special Access Programs required to perform daily duties.
This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing.
The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements.
May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.

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