Director, Training & Technology

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with

Generous time off (vacation, sick, and

Medical coverage (Anthem PPO and HSA)

Job summary

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, VA, is seeking a Director of Training & Technology to oversee ATDM's technical training operations.

You will guide multidisciplinary teams across CNC Machining, Additive Manufacturing, Welding, NDT, and Quality Control to deliver outstanding student outcomes.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in technical training, manufacturing operations, workforce development, or related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience leading managers, supervisors, or multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce development programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for ATDM's technical training functions and instructional operations.
• Lead and support Technical Specialists and Shift Managers across multiple advanced manufacturing disciplines.
• Oversee day-to-day training delivery, ensuring alignment with program objectives, safety standards, and student success outcomes.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation across multiple training shifts.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics, including student throughput, lab readiness, safety compliance, and instructional effectiveness.
• Collaborate with ATDM leadership to evaluate program performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive standardization and consistency across instructional teams, curricula, and training delivery methods.
• Oversee capital equipment planning, procurement, utilization, and maintenance to support growth and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Program management

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Industrial Technology/Operations Management/Education

Job description

Applications will be accepted through November 10, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as application review may begin before the closing date. To ensure full consideration, please submit a complete application by the posted deadline.This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and export controlled data. Candidates must meet applicable federal requirements, including U.S. person status where required. This role is onsite in Danville, VA.The Pay, Perks, & BenefitsSalary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and determined based on market benchmarks and internal equity.Retirement benefits are provided through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match.Generous time off is offered, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year.Paid holidays include a two week paid winter break.Medical coverage includes Anthem PPO and HSA health plans with excellent dental options.Shape the Future of America's Defense Manufacturing WorkforceThe Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is dedicated to developing the skilled workforce needed to support the defense industrial base. Through intensive, hands-on training in advanced manufacturing technologies, ATDM prepares individuals for high-demand careers that strengthen national security and drive innovation.We are seeking a strategic and collaborative Director, Training & Technology to lead ATDM's technical training operations and help scale one of the nation's premier advanced manufacturing workforce development programs.What You Will DoAs the Director, Training & Technology, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all technical training programs within ATDM. You will lead multidisciplinary teams across CNC Machining, Additive Manufacturing, Welding, Nondestructive Testing (NDT), and Quality Control while ensuring instructional excellence, operational efficiency, and workforce readiness outcomes.Key responsibilities include:Provide strategic leadership and direction for ATDM's technical training functions and instructional operations.Lead and support Technical Specialists and Shift Managers across multiple advanced manufacturing disciplines.Oversee day-to-day training delivery, ensuring alignment with program objectives, safety standards, and student success outcomes.Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation across multiple training shifts.Monitor and improve key performance metrics, including student throughput, lab readiness, safety compliance, and instructional effectiveness.Collaborate with ATDM leadership to evaluate program performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.Drive standardization and consistency across instructional teams, curricula, and training delivery methods.Oversee capital equipment planning, procurement, utilization, and maintenance to support growth and innovation.Foster cross-functional collaboration across all ATDM operational areas.Develop and mentor team members while building a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.Represent ATDM with government, industry, educational, and workforce development partners.How You Will Help the TeamSuccess in this role means creating a high-performing training environment that delivers exceptional student outcomes while supporting the long-term growth of the defense manufacturing workforce. You will:Increase operational efficiency and training capacity.Ensure consistent instructional quality across all technical disciplines and shifts.Advance ATDM's workforce development mission through data-informed decision making.Strengthen partnerships with industry and government stakeholders.Support continuous program growth while maintaining safety, compliance, and quality standards.Position ATDM to meet evolving Department of Defense workforce readiness requirements.Your Knowledge and ExpertiseRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Operations Management, Education, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in technical training, manufacturing operations, workforce development, or a related field.Three (3) or more years of experience leading managers, supervisors, or multidisciplinary teams.Demonstrated knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce development programs.Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and communication skills.Experience managing complex operations and multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.Ability to analyze performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Preferred QualificationsExperience in defense manufacturing, defense workforce development, or Department of Defense-supported initiatives.Experience leading large-scale training, educational, manufacturing, or production environments.Familiarity with industry-recognized standards and certifications such as ISO, NIMS, AWS, and ASNT.Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.Experience overseeing capital equipment investments and technology implementation projects.Physical RequirementsAbility to operate a computer and standard office equipment.Ability to move between offices, classrooms, labs, and manufacturing training environments.Ability to occasionally perform light physical work.Ability to travel occasionally as business needs require.Why Join ATDM?ATDM is helping solve one of the nation's most critical workforce challenges by developing highly skilled manufacturing professionals to support the defense industrial base. This is an opportunity to lead talented teams, influence the future of advanced manufacturing training, and make a lasting impact on national workforce development efforts.If you are passionate about leadership, workforce development, technical training, and operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.Equal Opportunity EmployerWe are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.