Director, Training Development

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.  
 
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country. 

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Director of Training Development to lead the development, standardization, delivery, and continuous improvement of training across the organization. The Director of Training Development is responsible for PDW’s training development and the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of its training programs. This leader will oversee instructional systems design and course-of-instruction development personnel, establish curriculum standards, and ensure training content remains aligned with product configurations, technical publications, safety requirements, and approved operating and maintenance procedures. The Director will also serve as a qualified trainer and work with PDW Master Trainers as an instructor evaluator and standardization leader. The role requires a hands-on leader who can develop curriculum, coach instructors, conduct technical and operational training, and collaborate across engineering, product, operations, safety, and customer-facing teams.

What You’ll Do

• Own and oversee the development, approval, maintenance, and lifecycle management of all PDW sUAS training curricula.
• Lead and manage instructional systems design and course-of-instruction development personnel, establish priorities, review deliverables, and ensure high-quality execution.
• Establish a standardized training architecture covering learning objectives, lesson plans, instructor and student guides, presentations, practical exercises, academic assessments, flight evaluations, training aids, and eLearning content.
• Support the development and launch of training programs for new products, payloads, software capabilities, and product updates.
• Observe and evaluate instructors, provide actionable coaching, and promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous development.
• Assist with training personnel actions, including workforce planning, recruitment, interviews, selection, onboarding, qualification, and professional development.
• Conduct training audits, instructor evaluations, curriculum validations, and after-action reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Adult Learning, Aviation, Technical Communication, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in technical training, operational instruction, curriculum development, or training-program management.
• Experience delivering technical or operational training in UAS operations, aviation, aerospace, defense, robotics, or another complex technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading instructors, curriculum developers, instructional designers, or other training professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage curricula, courses of instruction, SOPs, assessments, instructor guides, student materials, and technical-training documentation.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required. 
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required, up to 50%

Preferred

• Prior experience as a master trainer, instructor evaluator, standardization instructor, or training-program manager.
• Experience with UAS or drone operations in defense, military, public-safety, or commercial-enterprise environments.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or the ability to obtain it shortly after hire.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. The employee must be able to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move regularly throughout the workday and lift or carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. The employee must have the manual dexterity necessary to operate UAS ground-control stations, unmanned aircraft and associated accessories, basic hand tools, audiovisual equipment, and standard office equipment. The employee must be physically capable of domestic and international travel and of supporting training in classroom, manufacturing, maintenance, flight-line, military, and field environments.

Work Environment

This position is remote requires work in office, classroom, manufacturing, maintenance, flight-line, customer, and field environments. The Director will regularly collaborate with personnel across engineering, product, operations, technical publications, safety, business development, and program management. The role may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, aircraft operations, elevated noise levels, and non-climate-controlled environments. Personal protective equipment may be required depending on the location and activity. Regular domestic travel and periodic international travel are required to support instructor development, curriculum validation, customer training, product launches, field exercises, and training audits. Occasional overtime and work outside normal business hours may be required based on operational and customer needs.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position will have an annual salary and benefits. The salary range provided is a guideline rather than a fixed limit. Individual pay is determined by factors including geography, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.