Instructional Designer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an Instructional Designer to lead analysis, design and development of complex learning solutions that support laboratory-wide training and performance initiatives. The role sits in the Instructional Systems Design Group within OTT, ES&H Directorate, and uses the SAT framework to guide project delivery.

The successful candidate will conduct task, learner, and context analyses, collaborate with technical experts, and create compliant, engaging

Qualifications

• BS/BA in instructional design, educational technology, industrial/organizational psychology, or related discipline.
• 5-7 years of experience designing and developing instructional materials for technical, compliance, or professional learning programs.
• Ability to perform task, learner, and context analyses and lead training design projects using SAT.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis, design, and development of complex training programs following DOE SAT.
• Conduct task, learner, and context analyses to define learning requirements and performance objectives.
• Design instructional strategies, curricula, and assessments aligned to job and performance standards.
• Develop interactive and multimedia-rich learning products including web-based, instructor-led, and blended modalities.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to translate technical content into learner-focused materials.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Instructional design

Leadership

Education

BS/BA in instructional design

MS in instructional design

Tools

Articulate Storyline

Rise

Captivate

Adobe Creative Suite

Camtasia

Vyond

Job description

The Office of Technical Training (OTT) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an Instructional Designer to lead the analysis, design, and development of complex learning solutions that support laboratory-wide training programs and organizational performance initiatives. This position resides in the Instructional Systems Design Group within the Office of Technical Training, Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality Directorate at ORNL. The successful candidate will independently manage training projects using the Department of Energy’s Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) framework, conduct task, learner, and context analyses, and collaborate with technical experts to create engaging, compliant, and effective learning experiences.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead the analysis, design, and development of complex training programs following the DOE Systematic Approach to Training (SAT).
• Conduct task, learner, and context analyses to define learning requirements and performance objectives.
• Design instructional strategies, curricula, and assessments that align with job and performance standards.
• Develop interactive and multimedia-rich learning products including web-based, instructor-led, and blended modalities.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to translate technical content into accessible, learner-focused materials.
• Serve as project lead for assigned instructional design initiatives, ensuring deliverables meet quality, accessibility, and compliance standards.
• Mentor and provide guidance to Associate and Instructional Designers on analysis, design, and development practices.
• Coordinate implementation activities with the Learning Management System (LMS) and Training Delivery teams.
• Plan and conduct evaluation of training effectiveness using OTT forms and processes, including Level 2 and 3 evaluation methodologies.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace—demonstrating these values in all professional interactions.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS/BA degree in instructional design, educational technology, industrial/organizational psychology, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience designing and developing instructional materials for technical, compliance, or professional learning programs.
• Demonstrated ability to perform task, learner, and context analyses and lead full training design projects using the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT).
• Proficiency with eLearning authoring tools (Articulate Storyline, Rise, or Captivate) and multimedia design software.
• Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS degree in instructional design.
• Experience leading multi-course curricula or program-level instructional design projects within scientific, technical, or regulatory environments (DOE, DOD, or similar).
• Proficiency in advanced multimedia tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, or Vyond for video, animation, or simulation development.
• Experience mentoring instructional design staff or coordinating cross-functional project teams.
• Knowledge of Kirkpatrick or Phillips evaluation methodologies and application of Level 3 or Level 4 assessments.
• 40 hours of training on instructional design to align with our management system requirement for an instructional technologist.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to drive continuous improvement in training programs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following:

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

This position is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and requires onsite presence. We offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position, which provides flexibility to work periodically from your home, while reporting onsite to the Oak Ridge, Tennessee location on a weekly and regular basis.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.