Instructional Designer (InDesign) - Contract

Interplay Learning; United States; Remote; USD 14,547,000 - 29,756,000; Part time

Job summary

Interplay Learning is seeking an experienced Instructional Designer (InDesign) on a contract basis for a 3+ month project. You will design ILT courses, translate technical content into practical learning journeys, and collaborate with SMEs and cross-functional teams to produce high-quality materials in InDesign.

The role requires 3+ years in instructional design, expertise in Adobe InDesign, and the ability to work during daytime business hours.

Qualifications

• 3+ years proven experience in instructional design.
• Expertise in Adobe InDesign.
• Nice to have - experience designing courses in skilled trades or related fields.
• Proven ability to write learning objectives, storyboard lessons, and develop engaging assessments and activities.
• Familiarity with the ADDIE model and adult learning theory.
• Availability to work daytime business hours.

Responsibilities

• Design engaging ILT learning experiences, including interactive lessons, workshops, activities, and assessments.
• Write clear learning objectives, storyboard lessons, and develop assessments and activities.
• Apply ADDIE model and adult learning principles to create practical, learner-centered training.
• Transform technical content into cohesive learning journeys that are easy to understand.
• Use InDesign to develop high-quality learning materials.
• Collaborate clearly with SMEs, curriculum designers, and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Instructional design

ADDIE

Adobe InDesign

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Instructional Designer (InDesign) – Contract

Remote (United States)

At Interplay we believe the skilled trades and industrial crafts workforce deserves training that keeps them safe, confident and ready for the job in front of them. Together with Industrial Training International (ITI), the global leader in specialized industrial learning solutions, we combine instructor-led training, online simulations, AI, and VR to help organizations and educational institutions upskill faster, reduce risk, and increase operational readiness.

We’ve helped train nearly 600,000 people and counting and and we're building the workforce that keeps the physical world running.

Visit interplaylearning.com to learn more.

Interplay Ethos:

At Interplay, we love what we do. We embrace our daily challenge to push technological limits to invent better ways to make learning easier and training more powerful. We attract passionate people and invite spirited discourse. We celebrate that our jobs fit our lives, not the inverse. We are uncompromising in our belief that together: we can build better training, build better careers and build better lives for customers and our team.

Our culture is grounded in these ethos, hear more about them from our CEO and founder, Doug Donovan.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2026 & 2025, Forbes, America's Best Startup Employers
• 2026, TIME, World’s Top EdTech Companies
• 2026, Inc. 5000, Fastest-Growing U.S. Companies (2025, 2022, 2018)
• 2024, Best Midsize Places to Work In Austin
• 2024, Facilitiesnet Readers' Choice Award Winners for Software
• 2024, AHR Expo Innovation Awards Winners for Software

Interplay uses AI to support the recruiting/hiring process, but all hiring decisions are made by humans.

Position:

Instructional Designer – Contract

On this 3+ month project, you’ll join our team as an extension of our existing Instructor-Led Training (ILT) instructional design and curriculum function, quickly getting up to speed and making an immediate impact. You’ll help build ILT courses at the forefront of skilled trades education—creating practical, timely learning experiences that develop the skills needed to keep our physical world running.

As an Instructional Designer, you’ll translate strategic content and technical expertise into high-impact, measurable learning experiences that drive skill mastery. Working closely with subject matter experts and internal teams, you’ll develop accurate, engaging ILT curricula in InDesign, including student workbooks, trainer materials, assessments, and activities.

You’ll bring structure and clarity to complex content, creating a cohesive learning journey that is practical, engaging, and competitive in the skilled trades training market.

Contract Details

• Duration: Approximately 3 months (Mid-October 2026 through January/February 2027)
• Hours: 30–40 hours per week during standard business hours
• Location: Remote, work from home
• Compensation: $35-$45/hr paid as 1099 nonemployee, compensation based on directly related experience and credentials

This is a 1099 Independent Contractor engagement governed by an Independent Contractor Agreement. The contractor will be responsible for their own:

• Federal, state, and local taxes, including any applicable self-employment taxes
• Insurance and other business-related expenses
• Computer, equipment, software, and other tools necessary to perform the work

The engagement is project-based and limited to the agreed scope, duration, and deliverables outlined in the Independent Contractor Agreement.

Invoicing:

Contractor will submit invoices for hours worked on a monthly basis, in accordance with the Independent Contractor Agreement.

What you’ll do:

Curriculum Design & Development

• Design engaging, effective instructor-led learning experiences, including interactive lessons, workshops, activities, and assessments.
• Write clear learning objectives, storyboard lessons, and develop assessments and activities that reinforce learning.

Instructional Strategy & Pedagogy

• Apply the ADDIE model and adult learning principles to create practical, learner-centered training.
• Transform technical and raw content into cohesive, engaging learning journeys that are easy to understand and apply.

Content Production & Tooling

• Use InDesign to develop high-quality learning materials.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Communicate clearly, collaborate effectively across functions, and maintain a strong attention to detail throughout the development process.

Who you are:

• You’re an experienced instructional designer who can quickly assess existing content, identify opportunities, and jump in with minimal ramp-up.
• You’re highly collaborative and can seamlessly partner with SMEs, curriculum designers, and cross-functional teammates.
• You’re comfortable taking ownership, making thoughtful recommendations, and moving work forward with limited direction.
• You’re adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to balance high-quality work with the pace of a fast-moving team.
• You’re the kind of partner who looks beyond the assignment—spotting opportunities, solving problems, and making an immediate impact.

What You’ll Bring/Requirements:

• 3 +years proven experience in instructional design.
• Expertise in Adobe InDesign.
• Nice to have - Experience with designing courses in the skilled trades or related fields.
• Proven ability to write clear learning objectives, storyboard lessons, and develop engaging assessments and activities.
• Familiarity with the ADDIE model and adult learning theory.
• Solid understanding of how instructional materials are produced.
• Availability to work daytime business hours, available for calls.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Interplay is committed to providing equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic or activity in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

As a federal contractor, Interplay takes affirmative action to consider qualified individuals without regard for disability and protected veterans status.

Individuals with disabilities who need assistance with the application or recruitment process must promptly contact the HR Department to discuss their particular needs.

Interplay does not discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing, disclosing, or inquiring about compensation.

Drug Testing & Background Testing

The company conducts background checks as part of the hiring process after extending an offer of employment. These screenings are facilitated by trusted third-party specialists. All positions require I-9 verification, E-Verify, a background check, and a drug and alcohol screening. Depending on the role, additional screenings may include employment history verification, a DMV record check, reference checks, education and credential verification, or a credit history review.

We believe in fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace and encourage everyone to apply, regardless of background. Our hiring decisions are guided by skills, experience, and a shared commitment to our values. If you have any questions about our process, we’re happy to provide support and guidance along the way.