Instructional Systems Designer

Company Overview

Dignitas Technologies, a By Light company, offers a wide range of services in the military modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) industry from research efforts advancing simulation technologies to large acquisition contracts. Dignitas specializes in system and software analysis, design, development, testing, fielding, and courseware for Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training applications. 

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Position Overview

The Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) transforms complex technical information and performance requirements into effective training experiences that improve operational readiness, reduce performance gaps, and support customer training objectives. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the ISD analyzes training requirements, develops instructional strategies, and collaborates with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), technical personnel, software and systems engineers, multimedia developers, instructors, and customers to deliver engaging, performance-based learning solutions.

Depending on experience and level, the ISD may support, independently perform, or provide leadership for instructional systems design activities throughout the training development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer requirements, job tasks, performance data, and existing training materials to identify instructional needs and performance gaps
• Design, develop, implement, evaluate, and maintain instructional content following a systematic instructional design process, such as ADDIE
• Apply instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and performance-based methodologies to the development of training products
• Review technical manuals, engineering documents, reference materials, and other source documentation to support accurate content development
• Develop learning objectives, instructional strategies, assessments, lesson plans, storyboards, and supporting instructional artifacts
• Create scenario-based activities, exercises, demonstrations, and performance support materials
• Coordinate with SMEs and technical personnel to ensure technical accuracy and instructional effectiveness
• Develop, revise, and maintain Instructor Led Training (ILT), Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI), computer-based training, trainee guides, instructor materials, tests, job aids, and other training documentation
• Support development and implementation of simulation-based, technology-enabled, or other innovative training solutions
• Participate in internal and customer reviews and incorporate approved feedback and required changes
• Conduct or support quality assurance reviews of instructional products to ensure compliance with applicable standards, processes, and customer requirements
• Ensure training products meet applicable government, military, customer, contractual, and organizational standards and requirements
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to coordinate dependencies, resolve issues, and support successful delivery of training products
• Manage assigned tasks, deliverables, and schedules to meet project milestones and customer requirements
• Support course pilots, implementation activities, evaluations, and continuous improvement efforts as required
• Communicate project status, risks, issues, and recommendations to appropriate team members and project leadership
• Perform other instructional design and training development activities as assigned

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Adult Education, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, Education, English, Communications, Training and Development, or a related field
• Relevant experience in instructional design, curriculum development, training development, education, technical writing, or a related field, commensurate with the level of the position
• Knowledge of instructional design principles and systematic approaches to training development
• Ability to analyze information, identify instructional needs, and develop effective learning solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with SMEs, technical personnel, customers, and multidisciplinary project teams
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments and meet established deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to learn and apply new software, systems, processes, and technical subject matter
• Competency in the following areas: Instructional systems design; Systematic instructional design processes; Task, job, needs, and performance analysis; Curriculum and training development;Learning objective development; Instructional strategy selection; Scenario-based learning design; Assessment and evaluation development
• Technical research, writing, and editing
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Organization and time management
• Written and verbal communication
• Collaboration with SMEs and stakeholders
• Quality assurance and attention to detail
• Adaptability and continuous learning
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Adult Education, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, Education, or a related field
• Experience supporting Department of Defense, military, government, or technical training programs
• Experience developing performance-based training and instructional products
• Experience conducting task, job, needs, or performance analysis
• Experience developing assessments, learning objectives, lesson plans, storyboards, job aids, trainee guides, instructor materials, or other training products
• Experience with Instructor Led Training (ILT), Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI), computer-based training, simulation, or technology-enabled learning
• Familiarity with AIM CPM/LOM and applicable military or government instructional development standards
• Experience supporting course pilots, training implementation, evaluation, or continuous improvement
• Experience performing instructional product quality assurance or review activities
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams in a technical or engineering environment
• Experience working with Department of Defense or Navy training standards, including NAVEDTRA guidance

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance