The Instructional Designer plays a pivotal role in developing high-quality learning solutions aligned to manufacturing needs. This role supports manufacturing organizations by designing engaging, relevant learning experiences that improve safety, quality, standardized work, launch readiness, productivity, and operational performance across plant and manufacturing support environments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Learning Strategy and Consulting
- Advise manufacturing business partners, plant stakeholders, and subject matter experts on adult learning principles, performance-based learning strategies, and common misconceptions in workplace learning.
- Conduct needs analyses to identify performance gaps, determine root causes, and recommend targeted learning and performance support interventions for manufacturing environments.
- Partner with SMEs, stakeholders, frontline representatives, and leaders through interviews, observation, and working sessions to validate learning needs and understand operational realities.
- Use insights, data, and business context to align learning strategies with plant, launch, quality, safety, and productivity goals.
- Design and Development
- Design and develop learning experiences using models such as ADDIE, SAM, rapid prototyping, action-based learning, and scenario-based learning.
- Create engaging, practice-focused learning activities that mirror real manufacturing challenges, including equipment, process, quality, safety, troubleshooting, and launchrelated scenarios.
- Prepare design documents, learning objectives, assessments, and criteria for success that support performance on the plant floor and in manufacturing support roles.
- Develop multi-modal learning assets including eLearning, ILT/VILT materials, videos, workshops, simulations, and job aids to support manufacturing learners in varied environments.
- Write or refine instructional materials, facilitator guides, scripts, standard-work support resources, and communication pieces that translate complex technical concepts into clear, usable learning content.
- Collaboration and Project Management
- Partner with SMEs, content writers, LPMs, coordinators, project sponsors, and manufacturing stakeholders to gather content, validate technical accuracy, and ensure alignment across functions.
- Support the Learning Program Manager in scoping timelines, resources, dependencies, and development expectations for manufacturing learning initiatives.
- Manage projects using agile design approaches to streamline development and respond to changing manufacturing priorities, launches, and process updates.
- Support LMS setup and integration of manufacturing learning materials, including curricula, job aids, and supporting assets.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelors Degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
- 4+ years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or eLearning, including direct experience supporting manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, operations, quality, safety, or similar technical environments.
- 2+ years of experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing launches, technical upskilling, or shop-floor capability building.
- Familiarity with plant operations, manufacturing processes, program launches, continuous improvement, or standardized work environments.
- Required experience designing and developing web-based training (WBT) and instructor-led training (ILT), with the ability to build complementary blended learning solutions such as VILT, eLearning, and job aids.
- Strong understanding of instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and modern learning strategies.
- Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Office, Articulate (Storyline and Rise), Vyond, video tools and design software.
- Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences and translate complex operational content into effective learning solutions.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy, quality, and attention to detail.
- Strong consulting, communication, and relationship-building skills.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
- Portfolio preferred: demonstrated work samples showcasing eLearning, ILT/VILT materials, scenario-based learning, action-based learning, and performance support tools.
- Experience creating learning for topics such as safety systems, quality processes, troubleshooting, ergonomics, throughput, or lean/continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of corporate principles, workplace safety expectations, or regulated operational environments.
- Graphic design experience, visual storytelling, or user-centered design experience.
- Strong facilitation skills for ILT/VILT working sessions, stakeholder alignment, and technical content reviews.
- Experience with Action Mapping, Design Thinking, scenario-based learning, or branching learning design.
- Experience working in large, matrixed organizations with cross-functional partners.