Simaero Seeks Paris-Based Program Manager (Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor)

France – Full-flight simulator training-centre operator Simaero has advertised one Paris-based Program Manager position that will serve as Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor (CTKI) for its core Approved Training Organisation while developing CBTA programmes, courseware and airline client solutions. The appointment would add dedicated training-design and regulatory capacity as Simaero expands competency-based and digital training services across its international network. Please see an extract of the job post below.

"Simaero is a fast-growing international pilot training company operating simulator training centres in France, South Africa, China, and India. We provide mandatory recurrent training to over 300 airlines worldwide and are developing its dedicated team to develop Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programs — the most significant shift in pilot training methodology in decades.

We’re hiring one person to join our core ATO team in Paris. This is not a corporate training department with layers of process. It’s an entrepreneurial unit where you will develop the pilot training business, design training programs, work directly with airline clients, and still spend time in the simulator doing what you trained for.

What you'll actually do?

• Own theoretical knowledge instruction as our nominated CTKI. Supervise and standardise all TKIs, run their initial and refresher standardisation, evaluate their classroom performance, and own the TK sections of the Training Manual and Operations Manual.
• Design and implement CBTA programs for airline type rating and recurrent training. Build competency frameworks, grading matrices, and assessment methodologies aligned with ICAO Doc 9868 and the requirements of EASA and other CAAs — and make sure the ground phase actually feeds the simulator phase instead of running in parallel to it.
• Write the material. Courseware, instructor guides, student handbooks, lesson plans, question banks, e-learning storyboards. Clear, current, auditable. This is a large part of the job and we're looking for someone who writes well, not someone who tolerates writing.
• Run the platform. Structure courses in our LMS, manage learner journeys and assessment banks, integrate SCORM/xAPI content, and use the training data that comes out of it. You'll work with modern platforms, not paper binders.
• Teach. Classroom and virtual delivery, several days a month minimum. Advanced facilitation, scenario-based discussion, real debriefing. Stay current, stay credible, stay connected to what training actually feels like from the front of the room.
• Handle ATO regulatory compliance on the TK side — EASA Part-ORA and Part-FCL, training program approvals, change management with the authority, quality system documentation, audit preparation.
• Develop airline client relationships. Work directly with heads of training and flight operations directors on ground school design, help shape proposals, and help win new business.

You'll report to the Head of Training and our ATO team leader, an ex-Airbus with deep CBTA expertise.

Who we're looking for?

The essentials

• Substantial experience as a theoretical knowledge instructor in the subject areas we deliver — type rating ground school, systems, performance, operational procedures, human performance. This is the regulatory backbone of the role.
• A completed course in instructional techniques, or an equivalent formal train-the-trainer background.
• A solid aviation technical foundation: ATPL or CPL holder, TRI/SFI/TRE/SFE (active or lapsed), TKI, or an engineering / flight operations background with genuine type-level depth.
• Working knowledge of Part-ORA and Part-FCL, and comfort with how requirements differ across non-EASA authorities.
• Hands-on experience with an LMS — not just as a user, but configuring it, structuring content in it, and pulling something useful out of its reporting.
• Demonstrable writing ability. Be ready to show us courseware, a manual section, or a syllabus you produced.
• Fluent operating in English in a professional context (C1).
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Paris / Île-de-France region, working on site at least 3 days per week.
• Genuinely interested in training methodology — not just looking for a desk to sit at.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: everyone builds.

What would set you apart?

• Real depth in CBTA, ICAO competency frameworks, or evidence-based training — especially if you've implemented one rather than read about it.
• Experience with authoring tools (Storyline, Rise, Captivate or similar), SCORM/xAPI, LMS administration, or training data analytics.
• Instructional design credentials or a structured ISD/ADDIE/SAT background.
• Background in human factors, CRM, or TEM development.
• Experience as a nominated post holder (CTKI, CFI, HT) or dealing directly with an authority on approvals.
• Type rating on aircraft in Simaero's fleet (A320, B737, A330, B777, ATR, etc.) — but not required. We can type-rate you on our own simulators.
• You've built something before — a program, a process, a business — and you want to do it again."

To learn more about the position and to apply, please do so directly with Simaero here.

Source: Simaero