Special Operations Instructor Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

As Training Manager, Adaptive Control, you play a key role in scaling Axon's combatives and defensive-tactics training program as Adaptive Control expands across the United States. In this role, you administer day-to-day course operations, assist in leading a high-performing instructor and coach cadre, and ensure logistics, delivery, quality control, and follow-through meet Global Training Services standards. You bring deep operational credibility in combatives, defensive tactics, martial arts, and instructor development, combined with the ability to manage complex training operations at scale. You remain an active practitioner who leads by example, upholds program culture and instructional standards, and supports the 2026 build-deliver-prove mandate that prepares Adaptive Control for broader global deployment and instructor scaling in 2027.

Location: Onsite at one of our HUB offices locations (Scottsdale, AZ, Seattle, WA, Boston, MA, New York, NY, or Atlanta, GA) Tuesday-Friday, and on the road 50% of time
Reports to: Senior Manager, Training Operations
Direct Reports: none

• Administer and support day-to-day operations of Adaptive Control courses and programs within the United States, including scheduling, logistics, course delivery, instruction support, quality control, promotion, development, and operational follow-up.
• Assist in leading and coordinating a team of highly competent Adaptive Control instructors and coaches, including cadre alignment, instructor development, and consistency of delivery standards.
• Ensure course logistics, on-site execution, instructional quality, and post-course follow-up are completed to a high standard and aligned with Global Training Services expectations.
• Support continued growth and expansion of Adaptive Control training initiatives, including host-agency recruitment, student enrollment, and pipeline development for future courses.
• Travel as required to administer training, demonstrations, presentations, instructor development, and operational support at customer sites, conferences, and partner engagements.
• Represent Adaptive Control and Axon professionally during courses, conferences, demonstrations, and external engagements.
• Deliver or support delivery of Adaptive Control instructor certification and operator courses according to program schedule and business priorities.
• Contribute to curriculum development, training plans, coaching systems, and operational procedures, including refinement based on customer feedback, instructor input, and program performance data.
• Monitor course effectiveness and customer satisfaction metrics to continuously improve curriculum quality, delivery methods, and learner outcomes.
• Support internal approval processes, program development initiatives, and long-term strategic growth efforts in partnership with Adaptive Control leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Help maintain operational consistency, instructional quality, and cultural alignment across all Adaptive Control activities in the United States.
• Partner with Sales, Customer Success, and regional training operations to align course readiness with customer deployments, academy partnerships, and go-to-market timelines.
• Coordinate with international Adaptive Control stakeholders to support curriculum consistency and knowledge transfer as the program scales globally.
• Identify operational barriers to course delivery or adoption and develop practical plans to improve engagement, utilization, and customer readiness.
• Establish and maintain quality assurance standards for Adaptive Control training, including curriculum accuracy, instructor consistency, delivery expectations, and post-course engagement standards.
• Lead or support recurring operational touchpoints with instructors, contractors, and internal stakeholders supporting Adaptive Control initiatives.

• Minimum of five years of relevant operational and/or instructional experience in combatives, defensive tactics, martial arts, or closely related fields.
• Proven competency and experience as an instructor over an extended period; ability to apply modern coaching methodologies, adult learning principles, and performance-based instruction.
• Prior law enforcement or military experience (required).
• Experience within SWAT, tactical teams, special operations, or other specialized units (preferred).
• Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or high competency in wrestling (highly preferred); equivalent operational and instructional experience may be considered.
• Active practitioner who continuously develops and maintains personal operational and technical skillset.
• Previous leadership or personnel management experience (strongly preferred).
• Academic background in education, coaching, leadership, psychology, operational performance, or related fields (preferred).
• Experience developing curriculum or large-scale training programs (preferred).
• Experience working within high-performance teams or instructor cadres (preferred).
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to operate independently while supporting broader organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated professionalism, humility, team orientation, and adaptability in fast-growing, high-demand training environments.
• Ability to travel domestically as required; international travel may be required based on program needs.

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Fitness Programs
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support
• Learning & Development programs
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work.