Kraken Kinetics

ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.

Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development-from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY when it matters most.

Location: On-site at our Pinehurst-area location with domestic and international travel.

The Weapon Systems Instructor - Level I serves as a frontline instructor and field representative for Kraken Kinetics, responsible for delivering standardized training programs supporting Kraken Kinetics product lines and platform integrations.

Reporting to the Director of Training, this role executes New Equipment Training (NET) events, supports certification activities, and assists in the development and refinement of training materials. Level I Instructors maintain operational proficiency across supported product configurations while ensuring safe, professional, and standardized instruction.

This position represents Kraken Kinetics during domestic and international training engagements and supports the collection of operational feedback to inform ongoing product and training improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Training Execution & Deployment Leadership

• Deliver standardized Periods of Instruction (POIs) in accordance with the Kraken Kinetics Training Program.

• Support and execute domestic and international New Equipment Training (NET) events.

• Assist in live-fly, live-fire, and operator certification events.

• Conduct student evaluations, teach-backs, and performance assessments.

• Ensure instructional delivery is consistent with approved courseware and training standards.

Operational & Platform Proficiency

• Maintain working knowledge of Kraken Kinetics product lines and partner platform integrations.

• Understand operational considerations across supported drone platforms and vendors.

• Maintain deployment readiness and instructional proficiency standards established by the Director of Training.

Safety & Risk Mitigation

• Enforce established safety procedures, range protocols, and risk mitigation standards during training events.

• Identify unsafe conditions or integration concerns and elevate to senior instructors or training leadership.

• Support safe handling and operational employment of controlled kinetic systems.

Training Development & Continuous Improvement

• Assist in the development and revision of training materials, operator guides, and instructional aids.

• Ensure instructional delivery reflects current engineering revisions and system configurations.

• Document field observations and submit structured feedback reports to the Training Division.

• Contribute to after-action reviews and training improvement efforts.

Professional Representation

• Represent Kraken Kinetics during training engagements, demonstrations, and industry events.

• Maintain high standards of professionalism, communication, and operational credibility.

• Support partner integration efforts alongside customer and vendor personnel when required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Demonstrated experience with controlled kinetic systems, weaponized UAS platforms, or munitions integration.

• Experience operating in live-fire, safety-critical, or high-risk operational environments.

• Prior instructional, evaluator, or team-lead experience in a military or comparable operational environment.

• Strong understanding of range safety principles and risk mitigation practices.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally in support of training events.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally in support of training events. (50%)

Physical

• Ability to work in the field and austere environments for up to 15 hours at a time

• Ability to wear body armor, helmet, and other PPE for extended durations of up to 15 hours

• Experience working with demolitions and conducting high-risk training evolution

• Ability to lift 100 lbs from the ground to above waist level on a regular basis

• Comfortable with high OPTEMPO travel of up to 50%

• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, for extended periods of time

Preferred

• Veteran with experience in combat arms, EOD, fires, SOF, tactical UAS, or related operational specialties.

• Experience with kinetic drone employment or fire control integration.

• Prior experience delivering formal training or certification events.

• Familiarity with multi-platform UAS integration environments.

• Experience supporting partner or international training engagements.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Kraken Kinetics is committed to offering a competitive compensation package to attract and retain top talent. This full-time, exempt position offers an annual salary range of $90,000- $115,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits included:

• Generous PTO policy

• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).

• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)

• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)

• Generous 401(k) retirement plan

• Company-paid life insurance

• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.

We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

Watch what it's like to live here:
[ Video Link]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.