A330 Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor

Location: Brize Norton, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

At Thales Training & Simulation (TTS), we support armed forces around the world by preparing today's operators and training tomorrow's leaders. From advanced computer-based training and synthetic environments to full-motion flight simulators and replica military platforms, we deliver world-class training solutions that enhance operational readiness across air, land and maritime domains.

We are looking for an experienced Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor to deliver type rating training on the A330 to join our team at RAF Brize Norton. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the oversight, standardisation and continuous improvement of all theoretical knowledge instruction delivered within our Approved Training Organisation (ATO). The successful candidate will also act as the Nominated Person for Training in accordance with UK CAA Regulation Part-ORA.210(c). You'll provide leadership to our instructor team, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, maintain training standards, and play a key role in developing the next generation of military and civilian aircrew.

Location: RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

What you'll be doing

• Leading Training Excellence
• Act as the focal point for all theoretical knowledge instruction within the ATO.
• Supervise and mentor Theoretical Knowledge Instructors, ensuring the highest standards of training delivery.
• Deliver engaging and effective technical training across:
• A330 Type Rating Courses
• Technical Refresher Training
• OCC Technical Ground School
• CCQ Technical Ground School
• Coordinate and deliver annual instructor standardisation activities.
• Provide guidance and support to instructors to promote continuous improvement and consistency.
• Courseware & Training Documentation
• Develop, review and maintain technical courseware for ATO-approved Type Rating programmes.
• Ensure all training materials remain accurate, current and compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Manage version control and upkeep of ATO Training Manuals and associated documentation.
• Support the Head of Training (HoT) with the preparation and maintenance of documentation required for regulatory oversight.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Maintain training standards and procedures to support the approval and renewal of ATO courses.
• Conduct compliance monitoring activities within the Ground School environment.
• Carry out internal audits and cross-departmental compliance reviews.
• Monitor instructor performance and maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and instructional delivery.
• Examination & Data Management
• Manage and protect electronic records relating to theoretical knowledge training.
• Maintain and secure examination materials, course progress records and final assessments.
• Coordinate examination activities in partnership with the ATO Administration Supervisor.
• Compile and manage annual technical assessment packages for A330 and Voyager programmes.

About You

We're looking for a passionate aviation training professional with extensive experience delivering theoretical knowledge instruction within a regulated training environment.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience as a Theoretical Knowledge Instructor in a relevant aviation training environment.
• Strong understanding of A330 aircraft systems and Type Rating training requirements.
• Experience supervising or leading instructional staff.
• Excellent knowledge of training governance, compliance monitoring and quality assurance processes.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively.
• Strong organisational skills with experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience maintaining training documentation, manuals and courseware.

What will help you succeed

• Experience working within an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).
• Knowledge of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting regulatory audits and oversight activities.
• An adaptable and collaborative approach, with the ability to engage effectively with military and civilian personnel alike.

Why Thales?

At Thales, you'll be part of a team that delivers training solutions which make a genuine difference to operational capability across the globe. We invest in our people, support career development and provide an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits

• Performance-related bonus
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• 24 hours paid volunteering leave
• Matched pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental wellbeing support
• Retail and lifestyle discounts
• Discounted gym memberships

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the work undertaken within Thales, this role is subject to Security Clearance (SC) requirements. Candidates who already hold SC clearance are encouraged to apply, however sponsorship may be available for suitable applicants. The successful candidate must be willing and able to obtain and maintain SC clearance. To be eligible for SC clearance, you will normally need to have resided in the UK for the previous five years. In certain circumstances, a minimum of three years' UK residency within the last five years may be acceptable, subject to additional overseas checks.

For further information, please visit the UK Security Vetting website.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities.

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