SummaryThe Lead Aviation Maintenance Instructor carries a regular teaching load and coordinates daily instructional activities across General, Airframe, and Powerplant subjects under the supervision of the Assistant Director. This role coordinates instructor schedules and coverage, maintains current school-approved teaching materials, and prepares training aids and laboratory supplies for instruction. The Lead Instructor reinforces safety, tool control, and housekeeping standards; coordinates timely and accurate night shift academic and attendance records; and serves as the first point of contact for routine student concerns. The position provides classroom and laboratory coverage within the instructor's qualifications and refers matters requiring management approval or action to the Assistant Director.Essential FunctionsInstruction and coverage: Carry a regular teaching load and provides classroom and laboratory instruction in assigned subjects. Fills in for absent instructors within their qualifications and coordinates coverage needs with the Assistant Director.Scheduling coordination: Prepares instructor schedules and class assignments for Assistant Director approval. Monitors daily attendance and schedule changes, coordinates coverage within approved staffing plans, and promptly reports unresolved gaps.Student liaison: Serves as the first point of contact for routine student concerns involving academic progress, attendance, and conduct. Resolves matters within established school policies, escalates issues requiring management action to the Assistant Director, and follows up as assigned.Mentorship and guest speakers: Mentors students on technical skills, professional conduct, and career preparation. Coordinates guest speakers and industry presentations with Assistant Director approval.Teaching materials coordination: Maintains the controlled folder of school-approved teaching materials and ensures instructors use current versions. Identifies needed revisions, prepares proposed updates, and submits changes for review and approval before use.Training aid coordination: Prepares and checks training aids, tools, and equipment for upcoming instruction. Reports deficiencies, removes unsafe items from use, and coordinates approved maintenance, repair, or replacement with the Assistant Director.Lab supplies and materials: Anticipates supplies, consumables, hardware, and materials needed for upcoming laboratory projects. Monitors availability and submits purchase requests to the Assistant Director early enough to prevent instructional delays.Facility safety and housekeeping: Reinforces school safety procedures, tool control, and housekeeping standards in classrooms, shops, and hangars. Addresses immediate hazards within their authority and reports safety concerns and corrective-action needs to the Assistant Director.Night shift records coordination: Maintains accurate records for assigned classes and checks that night shift instructors submit grades, project completions, and attendance on time. Coordinates corrections and reports unresolved discrepancies to the Assistant Director.Instructor support: Helps orient new instructors to teaching materials, classroom and laboratory procedures, safety practices, and record keeping. Provides peer coaching and reports instructional concerns and training needs to the Assistant Director.MzeroA curriculum development: Reviews and writes A&P bootcamp scripts as assigned, submitting content for review and approval. Coordinates this work with the Assistant Director so it does not interfere with teaching or primary APMI responsibilities.New Part 147 school startup support: Supports new-school and additional-location startup activities as assigned, including organizing teaching materials, preparing training aids, setting up classrooms and laboratories, and assisting with instructor orientation.CompetenciesAbility to demonstrate hands-on skills in shop environments, ensuring students acquire the practical abilities needed for airworthiness and FAA testing.Ability to manage diverse learners, including motivating students and handling classroom/shop dynamics.Must have a good working knowledge of Federal regulations as they pertain to aircraft maintenance.Must have a good working knowledge of basic aircraft maintenance procedures.Must have a good working knowledge of aircraft systems architecture and operation.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesInstructor coordination: Coordinates daily instructional assignments, coverage changes, and duty schedules under the Assistant Director's supervision and within approved staffing plans.Instructional quality: Observes classroom and laboratory instruction, reinforces the use of current school-approved materials and course outlines, and provides coaching. Reports instructional deficiencies and recommended improvements to the Assistant Director.Performance input: Provides the Assistant Director with observations and recommendations regarding instructor performance, training needs, and recognition. Promptly reports performance or conduct concerns. Formal performance evaluations remain the Assistant Director's responsibility.Hiring and onboarding: Participates in instructor interviews as requested and provides feedback to the Assistant Director. Orients and mentors' new instructors on teaching materials, school policies, safety practices, and record keeping procedures.Student oversight: Monitors student conduct, safety, and tool control in classrooms, shops, and hangars. Addresses routine concerns within school policy and refers matters requiring disciplinary action to the Assistant Director.Records coordination: Checks that instructors submit grades, project completions, and attendance accurately and on time. Coordinates corrections with the responsible instructor and reports unresolved discrepancies to the Assistant Director.Safety and housekeeping: Reinforce safety, tool control, cleanliness, and housekeeping standards among instructors and students. Stops unsafe activities, addresses immediate hazards within their authority, and reports concerns requiring further corrective action to the Assistant Director.Escalation and authority: Serve as the first point of contact for routine instructor and student issues. Refers requests involving leave approval, formal discipline, hiring, or other personnel actions to the Assistant Director for action or referral to the Director. The Lead Instructor does not independently approve these actions.Physical DemandsAbility to move around classrooms, shops, and hangars to oversee training activities, including standing or walking for extended periods.Occasional lifting or moving of training materials or equipment (up to 50 pounds) as needed for demonstrations or setup.Position Type and Expected Hours of WorkFull time Night shift: 8-hour workdayTravel25% or as requiredRequired Education and ExperienceFAA A&P Mechanic CertificateHigh School Diploma or GEDPreferred Education and ExperienceFAA Inspection AuthorizationAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field.Experience instructingBe proficient in computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications such as Word, and PowerPoint.What We OfferThe annual salary for this position is $80,000-85,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. A $3,000 sign-on bonus. In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:401(k): Secure your future with our competitive retirement savings plan.Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy Health, Dental, and Vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.We are committed to providing a rewarding compensation package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being.Job Type: Full-timeBenefits:401(k)Dental insuranceHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offVision insuranceSchedule:Evening shiftMonday to FridayNo weekendsAbility to Relocate: Lakeland, FL 33811: Relocate before starting work (Required)Work Location: In personOther DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Phoenix East Aviation dba APMI is a Drug Free Workplace and all applicants will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen.Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.