Advanced Manufacturing Instructor - Vacancy ID: 252112

Shape the Future of Manufacturing Education.

Rocket Academy (RA) is seeking an innovative, student-centered Advanced Manufacturing Instructor to join our growing team. This position offers the opportunity to lead and teach within one or more of our manufacturing and skilled trades pathways in a one-of-a-kind, manufacturing-based charter high school.

Current Pathways:

• Industrial Maintenance / Electro-Mechanical (NEW for 2025–2026)

• HVAC (Year 2)

• Welding (Year 2)

• Precision Machining / CNC (Year 3)

Rocket Academy provides a rich, authentic learning experience for 11th and 12th grade students through a competency-based dual-credit curriculum in partnership with Lakeshore College (LC). Our students graduate with industry-aligned skills, college credit, and real-world experience.

We operate in a new, 12,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing training facility designed to replicate modern industry environments.

Position Overview

The Advanced Manufacturing Instructor will:

• Lead and deliver competency-based instruction aligned with Lakeshore College and Rocket Academy curriculum

• Manage daily operations of the assigned pathway (welding, machining, HVAC, or industrial maintenance)

• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and student success

• Collaborate closely with the Rocket Academy Director to support continued charter school growth

• Help develop innovative delivery models for technical education

This role is ideal for an industry professional ready to transition into education OR an experienced educator passionate about hands-on learning and innovation.

Essential Teaching Responsibilities

• Design, deliver, and assess competency-based curriculum

• Implement effective classroom/shop management strategies

• Lead and mentor students with both positive and corrective feedback

• Communicate effectively with families and stakeholders

• Participate in student placement processes

• Attend professional development, workshops, and conferences

Additional Leadership Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lakeshore College staff to refine curriculum delivery

• Complete technical college coursework required for dual-credit certification (training provided)

• Support Youth Apprenticeship and work-based learning placements

• Partner with higher education institutions to expand dual/advanced credit opportunities

• Assist with community events, open houses, and recruitment initiatives

• Support governance policies and school improvement efforts

• Assist with equipment selection, ordering, and lab setup

Required Qualifications

All applicants must be eligible for a Wisconsin Technology Education Teaching License (traditional or alternative pathway):
https://dpi.wi.gov/te/licensure

Pathway-Specific Qualifications

Welding

• Technical Diploma OR Journeyworker card

• 5+ years related occupational experience

Industrial Maintenance

• Associate Degree OR Journeyworker card

• 5+ years related occupational experience

Manufacturing Engineering / Electro-Mechanical (SACA)

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field

• 2+ years related occupational experience

HVAC

• Associate Degree

• 5+ years related occupational experience

Machining/CNC

• Technical Diploma OR Journeyworker card

• 5+ years related occupational experience

Ideal Candidate Attributes

We are seeking professionals who are:

• Passionate about student success and hands-on learning

• Experienced in leading and managing people

• Skilled in both technical instruction and soft-skill development

• Comfortable in dynamic, evolving environments

• Collaborative, innovative, and solution-oriented

• Willing to challenge the status quo in education

Why Join Rocket Academy?

• Teach in a modern, industry-grade facility

• Shape a growing, innovative charter school program

• Help build new pathways and industry partnerships

• Work closely with leadership to influence school direction

• Opportunity for dual-credit certification training prior to start

Start Date: As soon as possible
Dual-credit certification training available prior to official start date.