RV-12 Airplane Build Lab Instructor

DART, in partnership with PVUSD

Pajaro Valley Unified School District High School and Watsonville Municipal Airport

$70-$90/hr (contract) DOE

To Apply:

Submit a resume and brief letter of introduction outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position to: info@mbdart.org.

Submissions received by 5pm PST July 28 will receive priority review.

As of August 2025, this position has been filled and not currently seeking applicants. Check back in regularly to see new positions as they open!

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.