Training the Next Generation of F-35 Pilots
With a background as an F-18 Navy pilot, Jenny transitioned seamlessly into a meaningful second career as an F-35 Contract Instructor Pilot. At Lockheed Martin, she finds fulfillment not only in teaching but also in mentoring pilots and managing global training programs. Her work combines purpose, innovation, and continuous growth, preparing military pilots for real challenges while contributing to critical missions.
Meet Jenny, a Lockheed Martin F-35 Contract Instructor Pilot
Jenny, “Juno,” has spent seven years as an F-35 CIP helping military pilots master one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. Beyond tactical flight skills, Jenny delivers academic and simulator training to prepare pilots for complex systems and real-world scenarios, ensuring they are mission-ready and safe.
Jenny has found not only a second career but also meaningful, rewarding work. Starting at Naval Air Station Lemoore, she grew from instructor to leader, managing global training programs and diverse teams. Now, she plays a critical role in ensuring world-class training across F-35 sites worldwide—work she finds deeply fulfilling because it empowers the next generation of pilots to succeed in every mission they undertake. The role of a CIP is vital to our customers because military pilots are in high demand and the continuity CIPs provide is key to keeping training programs efficient.
A Career Built on Growth and Purpose
Jenny’s background as an F-18 Navy pilot gave her the experience needed to transition seamlessly into her CIP role at Lockheed Martin. Her work with the F-35 stand-up team during her final active-duty role prepared her for the shift, enabling her to manage training programs with confidence. Lockheed Martin supports career transitions like Jenny’s by offering employees the tools and opportunities to grow into new roles.
For Jenny, the most rewarding aspect of her job is teaching. Watching pilots build confidence and competence—and knowing her efforts directly contribute to their safety and mission success—gives her a profound sense of purpose.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Every day at Lockheed Martin presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. Jenny builds and runs training scenarios, delivers lectures, and stays current on the latest F-35 technologies. With tools like the full-mission simulator, she creates lifelike combat scenarios, ensuring pilots are ready for real-world challenges.
Looking to the future, Jenny is excited about the role artificial intelligence will play in pilot training. She remains closely connected to engineers working on the next generation of F-35 training systems, contributing to innovations that keep Lockheed Martin on the cutting edge. Her role ensures pilots are equipped to meet evolving global threats, embodying the Lockheed Martin commitment to continuous improvement.
Meaningful Work That Makes a Difference
Jenny’s journey exemplifies the meaningful, rewarding work Lockheed Martin offers. Whether she’s mentoring pilots, managing complex training programs, or contributing to groundbreaking innovations, Jenny finds fulfillment in knowing that her work makes a difference. Lockheed Martin provides employees with opportunities to grow, lead, and contribute to critical missions—empowering them to achieve their best.
Jenny encourages anyone interested in becoming an instructor pilot to reach out to someone at a training site for insight and explore open roles at Lockheed Martin. A background as a fourth or fifth-generation fighter pilot is required, but F-35 experience is not.