Chief Flight instructor

Job Description:

At TransMedics, our aviation operation plays a critical role in our mission to transform organ transplant therapy and help more donor organs reach patients who need them. The Chief Instructor is responsible for leading a high-quality, compliant, and operationally excellent flight training program that supports the continued development of our aviation organization.

This role provides leadership and oversight for flight instruction, instructor performance, student progression, training standards, and regulatory compliance. The Chief Instructor will set a high bar for safety and instructional quality while building a consistent, scalable training environment aligned with TransMedics’ fast-paced and mission-driven culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all flight training activities, ensuring a consistently high standard of instruction, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead, coach, and evaluate flight instructors, including initial proficiency checks and annual recurrent proficiency checks in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
• Conduct required stage checks and final tests and certify training records, graduation certificates, test reports, and student recommendations.
• Monitor student performance and progression, identify training gaps, and partner with instructors to ensure students receive the support necessary to successfully complete the program.
• Oversee the coordination of students, instructors, aircraft, and other resources to support efficient and effective flight training operations.
• Maintain compliance with applicable FAA and Part 141 requirements and ensure training records, programs, and practices meet regulatory standards.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory, procedural, and industry developments and incorporate changes into training programs as appropriate.
• Continuously evaluate and improve flight training programs, curricula, procedures, and instructional materials to ensure they remain current, effective, and scalable.
• Establish clear performance expectations for instructors and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development.
• Lead regular instructor and training team meetings to promote communication, consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with FAA personnel, airport officials, internal aviation leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible and accessible leader for instructors and students, fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Support broader TransMedics aviation initiatives and perform other responsibilities as needed to advance the organization's mission.

Qualifications

• Must meet the eligibility requirements for Chief Instructor under FAR 141.35 as applicable.
• Significant flight instruction experience within a Part 141 flight training environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading flight instructors and overseeing a structured flight training program.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, flight training standards, safety practices, and training program administration.
• Proven ability to evaluate instructor and student performance and maintain high and consistent training standards.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where safety, quality, and execution are critical.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with instructors, students, aviation leadership, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience serving as a Chief Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor, or senior training leader within a Part 141 program.
• Experience managing an accelerated training, academy, or similarly complex flight training program.
• Experience scaling or improving flight training programs, instructor standards, curricula, or training operations.

TransMedics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.