Instructional Designer - Manufacturing

Instructional Systems Designer – Manufacturing

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Instructional Systems Designer – Manufacturing to develop engaging, high-impact learning solutions that strengthen workforce capability and improve operational performance. This role partners closely with manufacturing leaders, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to create learning experiences that support safety, quality, standardized work, productivity, launch readiness, and continuous improvement across manufacturing environments.

This is a hybrid position with a schedule of Monday and Friday remote and Tuesday through Thursday onsite, with occasional Monday onsite meetings as needed. Travel is minimal and limited to local destinations within Michigan.

Key Responsibilities

Learning Strategy & Consulting

• Partner with manufacturing leaders, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to identify learning needs and performance gaps.
• Conduct needs analyses and recommend targeted learning and performance support solutions.
• Apply adult learning principles and instructional design best practices to manufacturing environments.
• Align learning strategies with plant operations, quality, safety, launch, and productivity goals.

Instructional Design & Content Development

• Design and develop blended learning solutions using methodologies such as ADDIE, SAM, rapid prototyping, action-based learning, and scenario-based learning.
• Create engaging learning experiences including:
• eLearning
• Instructor-led training (ILT)
• Virtual instructor-led training (VILT)
• Videos
• Workshops
• Simulations
• Job aids
• Develop learning objectives, assessments, facilitator guides, scripts, and performance support materials.
• Translate complex technical and operational concepts into clear, effective learning content.
• Ensure learning solutions are practical, performance-focused, and aligned with business objectives.

Collaboration & Project Management

• Collaborate with subject matter experts, project managers, content writers, and manufacturing stakeholders to validate technical accuracy.
• Support project planning by helping define timelines, dependencies, and development expectations.
• Manage multiple instructional design projects using agile development approaches.
• Assist with Learning Management System (LMS) implementation and organization of curricula and supporting learning assets.

Required Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrating instructional design work is required. Portfolio should include examples of:
• eLearning
• ILT/VILT materials
• Scenario-based learning
• Action-based learning
• Performance support tools
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of instructional design, curriculum development, or eLearning experience supporting manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, operations, quality, safety, or similar technical environments.
• Experience developing both web-based training (WBT) and instructor-led training (ILT).
• Strong understanding of adult learning theory and instructional design principles.
• Experience creating blended learning solutions including eLearning, VILT, ILT, and job aids.
• Proficiency with:
• Articulate
• Vyond
• Camtasia
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to build relationships and effectively consult with cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting manufacturing operations or production environments.
• Experience with manufacturing launches, workforce upskilling, or shop-floor capability development.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, standardized work, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement.
• Experience developing learning content related to:
• Safety
• Quality systems
• Troubleshooting
• Ergonomics
• Throughput improvement
• Familiarity with GMS principles or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Graphic design, visual storytelling, or user-centered design experience.
• Strong facilitation skills for instructor-led and virtual learning sessions.
• Experience with Action Mapping, Design Thinking, branching scenarios, or scenario-based learning.
• Experience working within large, matrixed organizations.

Additional Requirements

• A portfolio link must be included on the resume. Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be considered.
• Candidates must be eligible to work directly for the client without sponsorship.

EOE (including Disability/Veterans).

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