RV-12 Airplane Build Lab Instructor

Term: 

• 1-Year Contract (extendable up to 2 total years); 
• 9-month school year schedule; 
• 350 total hours/school year.

Schedule & Commitment:

• This is a part-time, curricular and extracurricular position aligned with the academic calendar over a two-year period.
• Instructor will collaborate with DART and PVUSD on scheduling and program coordination. 
  • Monday 2:35pm–3:35pm
    PVUSD high school campus, classroom-based instruction
  • Tuesday 2:30pm–4:30pm
    Watsonville Municipal Airport – Hangar Build Lab
  • Wednesday
    No class
  • Thursday 1:30pm–4:30pm
    Watsonville Municipal Airport – Hangar Build Lab
  • Friday 1:00–1:45pm
    Pajaro Valley High School campus, classroom-based instruction

Position Overview:

Monterey Bay DART, in partnership with Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD), seeks a dynamic instructor to lead a hands-on, curricular and extracurricular RV-12 Airplane Build Lab for high school students using the TangoFlight program model. This two-year program is designed to introduce students to flight, aerospace, systems, technology, aviation maintenance, engineering, and advanced manufacturing through the construction of a fully-functional RV-12 aircraft kit. The instructor will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, project-based technical instruction while mentoring and inspiring students toward future STEM career pathways.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day instruction and supervision of 25 students participating in the RV-12 Plane Build Lab.
• Implement PVUSD TangoFlight-based curriculum and ensure fidelity to instructional and safety standards.
• Guide students through the step-by-step assembly of the RV-12 airplane kit, integrating principles of aviation and engineering design.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment that supports student growth and teamwork.
• Coordinate with DART and PVUSD to report on student progress, milestones, and program performance.
• Manage inventory, tools, and equipment in accordance with safety protocols and budget considerations.
• Support guest speakers, career day activities, and visits from and to industry and community partners and local aviation-related employers.
• Participate in instructor training and curriculum onboarding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth or in an educational setting is preferred.
• Technical or instructional background in aviation maintenance, aerospace engineering, manufacturing, or a related field would be a plus.
• Familiarity with FAA, EAA, or TangoFlight standards for experimental aircraft builds would be a plus.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to mentor, motivate, and connect with diverse student populations.

Required:

• 18 years or older and ability to pass school district required background checks.
• Credentialing services and mentoring will be provided by PVUSD at no cost and is required.