Technical Instructor - Cybersecurity/Software Engineering

Chicago, Illinois, United States

ABOUT PER SCHOLAS:

For 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive mobility and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we're forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 30,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Per Scholas preferred hires reside within the following states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, WA

REPORTS TO: Site Director 

LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois

Who We Are Looking For 

Per Scholas is seeking a multi-talented Technical Instructor to deliver high-end training in both Cybersecurity and Software Engineering. You will play a critical role in our mission to unlock untapped potential and create inclusive tech talent pipelines for entry-to-mid-level roles.

 

Per Scholas is seeking a Technical Instructor to deliver high-end technical training to underemployed and unemployed community residents for purposes of higher economic development and improvement of quality of life at the Per Scholas Chicago Campus in the Loop, and at our satellite campus on the South Side. The Technical Instructor must be self-directed and self-motivated, and comfortable with making intermediate-level decisions to adapt processes and curriculum delivery based on current conditions. The Technical Instructor works in collaboration with peers with learner support and works with the Managing Director to change policies, procedures, and strategic planning. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Instruction & Facilitation

  • Using a structured and approved curriculum, conduct a full-time, 15-week cycle of technical training to prepare students for entry to mid-level jobs in the field of Cyber Security and/or Software Engineering. Technical training competencies include but are not limited to: hardware, software, networking, security, server, mobility, virtualization, and project management.  
  • Deliver technology skills training and assessments to prepare students for entry-level to mid-level careers in the field of software development and Cybersecurity 
  • Daily instruction, assessment administration, attendance, one-on-one tutoring, evaluation, and monitoring of individual student progress.
  • Facilitate a highly interactive, hands-on instructional style leveraging a flipped classroom model and simulating workplace environments. Comfortable facilitating project-based learning that simulates real-world engineering workflows, including teamwork, deadlines, and iterative improvement.
  • Utilize in-house Learning Management System for assignments, tests, and real-time performance monitoring
  • Manage and appropriately utilize a teaching assistant 
  • Maintain regular office hours

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO US

Professional Requirements

  • The "Full-Stack": Strong proficiency in modern JavaScript and frontend development, including HTML5, CSS3, and React (or comparable frameworks).  Experience building backend services using Node.js, RESTful APIs, and server-side application architecture. Working knowledge of relational databases (SQL); familiarity with NoSQL databases is a plus. 
  • Engineering Fundamentals: Solid understanding of core software engineering practices, including version control (Git/GitHub), debugging techniques, API integration, and collaborative development workflows.
  • Security Credentials: Expert-level knowledge in networking, virtualization, and server management. 
  • CompTIA Security+ 701 (or willing to test within the first 30 days of employment) 
  • Teaching Experience: Proven ability to teach adults in a hands-on environment. Experience with lesson planning and student assessment is required.
  • Physical Requirement: Must be able to comfortably and frequently lift 50lbs.

Personal Characteristics

  • Mission-Driven: You believe talent is universal but opportunity is not; you are a catalyst for social change.
  • Adaptable: You can pivot from debugging a React component to analyzing a packet capture in Wireshark.
  • Collaborative: You thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working cross-functionally with Career Coaches and Program Managers.

COMPENSATION

For this dual-competency role, we are targeting a salary of $75,000/year, determined by geography and the specific depth of experience in both disciplines.

#LI-Onsite

Benefits & Perks

Per Scholas offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and overall quality of life!

Holidays & PTO: Full-Time Per Scholas team members enjoy over 40 days of paid time off each year through a mix of holidays, vacation, and sick/personal time! All employees are eligible for Holiday pay upon hire (a total of 22 holidays annually, including a week off for Independence day and a week before the New Year). Full-Time Benefits Eligible employees also receive 80 Wellness Hours to use for Sick, Safe, or Personal reasons and accrue Vacation at a rate of 8 hours at the beginning of every month, supporting rest, recharge, and work-life balance. Vacation accruals increase with tenure. Part-time employees are afforded time off on a prorated basis and in accordance with local requirements. 

Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Benefit eligible employees can choose from multiple medical plans through Cigna or Kaiser Permanente (where available), with options to fit your needs. Eligible employees also have access to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that reimburses eligible out-of-pocket expenses, up to $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for families.

Dental and Vision Insurance: Eligible employees can select from two dental plan options and a vision plan. Employees who waive medical coverage receive employer paid dental and vision premiums.

Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a current 100% employer match on contributions up to 6%, eligible employees are offered entry and full vesting after 90 days with the company.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential, 24/7 access to counseling, legal support, and financial resources for employees and their household members

Parental Leave: Eligible employees are offered up to 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave to support employees as they welcome a new child and bond with their family.

Additional Benefits & Perks: Eligible employees have access to employer-paid life and AD&D Insurance, as well as employer-paid short-term disability coverage, with the option to elect additional life coverage and long-term disability insurance. Flexible Spending accounts are available for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses. Per Scholas also offers a range of voluntary benefits, including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Legal Services, and Pet Insurance. Additional resources include healthcare concierge support, financial wellness tools, and employee discount programs.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this role, please feel free to email our Talent team at jobs@perscholas.org. We look forward to viewing your application!

Equal Employment Opportunity

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

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