Instructional Designer IV

Linchpin Solutions, Inc.; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company matching

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company-funded disability and life insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

Educational assistance

Educational assistance and parental—

Job summary

A technology and services company in Minnesota is seeking an experienced Instructional Designer IV to lead curriculum development for military training programs. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, at least 8 years of instructional design experience, and expertise in MCISD/SATE standards. This role involves ensuring courseware accuracy and doctrinal consistency while applying structured instructional design methods. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years instructional design experience developing formal curriculum.
• Experience designing training for DoD/USMC programs strongly preferred.
• Experience with simulation‑enabled or system‑based training desirable.
• Experience with DoD/USMC programs is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads updates to MLFs, lesson plans, instructor guides, and student materials.
• Supports curriculum reviews, LERBs, and Learning Analyses.
• Ensures all courseware aligns with TECOM, MSTP, and doctrinal requirements.

Skills

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office 365

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical and organizational abilities

Ability to work collaboratively

High attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, or related field

Completion of a Military Formal Curriculum Developer Course

Additional ISD certifications preferred

Tools

POI products

Job description

Description

If you are looking for an exciting career opportunity in the IT, engineering, software development, logistics, and project management fields, Linchpin Solutions is the place to be! We are currently hiring for a dynamic and experienced Instructional Designer IV.

Clearance: Active DoD Secret Clearance

Work Schedule: Fulltime, On-site, Quantico, VA; limited travel (<15%)

Role Overview

The Senior Instructional Designer supporting MISTC Curriculum Development & Management Services leads the design, development, and sustainment of formal Programs of Instruction (POIs) across the MISTC enterprise. Working under the Curriculum Development Lead, this role develops and revises Master Lesson Files (MLFs), lesson plans, instructor guides, student materials, and courseware updates in accordance with Marine Corps Instructional Systems Design (MCISD) and Systems Approach to Training and Education (SATE) standards.

This position supports formal learning events such as Learning Analyses (LA), Learning Experience Review Boards (LERB), curriculum reviews, and POI maintenance cycles. The role ensures courseware accuracy, doctrinal consistency, and integration of emerging C2 capabilities while applying ADDIE methodologies to all curriculum development tasks.

Unlike the faculty development SDI, this role owns POI curriculum content, not instructor training materials.

General Skillset

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office 365
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively across curriculum and instructional teams
• High attention to detail and version‑control discipline

Specific Skillset

• Deep expertise in MCISD/SATE, ADDIE, and TECOM curriculum development standards
• Experience creating and maintaining POI products such as:
• Master Lesson Files (MLFs)
• Lesson Plans (LPs)
• Instructor Guides (IGs)
• Student Materials
• Ability to integrate doctrinal updates, SME input, and system changes into courseware
• Proficiency in conducting Learning Analyses and supporting LERBs
• Experience collaborating with MISTC Site Leads to incorporate feedback into curriculum changes
• Ability to work with Curriculum Graphics/Media Specialists to incorporate visuals into POIs
• Understanding of C2 systems, MAGTF processes, and technical training environments

Requirements

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, or related field
• Completion of a Military Formal Curriculum Developer Course (required)
• Additional ISD certifications preferred

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 8 years instructional design experience developing formal curriculum
• Experience designing training for DoD/USMC programs strongly preferred
• Experience with simulation‑enabled or system‑based training desirable

Role Integration

This position reports to the Curriculum Development Lead and is fully integrated into the POI development cycle. The Senior Instructional Designer:

• Leads updates to MLFs, lesson plans, instructor guides, and student materials
• Supports curriculum reviews, LERBs, and Learning Analyses
• Ensures all courseware aligns with TECOM, MSTP, and doctrinal requirements
• Coordinates with MISTC Site Leads to incorporate field feedback and maintain course relevance
• Collaborates with the Curriculum Graphics/Media Specialist to create visually complete courseware packages
• Maintains configuration control and documentation per ISO‑certified processes

Impact

The Senior Instructional Designer ensures that all MISTC training delivered across the enterprise is doctrinally aligned, instructionally sound, technically accurate, and operationally relevant. By maintaining rigorous curriculum standards and applying structured instructional design methods, this role strengthens the foundation of every C2 training event delivered to the Fleet Marine Force. Their work ensures Marine students receive consistent, high‑quality training that prepares them for modern operational environments.

Build Your Career With Us

Linchpin Solutions’ professional services organization is committed to delivering qualified candidates that meet or exceed clients’ technical and management expectations. Our growth means exciting career opportunities for talented professionals in IT, engineering, software development, logistics, project management, and other key areas. We provide personnel that become valuable assets to the organizations they serve and contribute to the overall skill diversity and strength of the Linchpin Team.

Career Choices

Linchpin’s success comes from the talent and commitment of our professionals. As one team, we share the challenges and rewards that come from growing the company, which reinforces our culture of ownership. All of our professionals benefit from the value we collectively create.

Pay Transparency Statement

Linchpin Solutions is committed to compliance with applicable pay transparency laws and regulations. Final compensation for any position will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• Relevant prior work experience
• Education and certifications
• Specific skills and competencies
• Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates
• Geographic location

While salary ranges may be provided for a position, these ranges are not a guarantee of final compensation, which may vary based on individual qualifications and the specific requirements of the contract.

Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, Linchpin Solutions offers a variety of benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑funded disability and life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and company‑paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Educational assistance and parental leave

Please note that the specific benefits and compensation details may vary depending on the employee’s position, date of hire, and contract terms.

Cyber Security Message

Linchpin Solutions follows a specific recruiting practice to protect all candidates. We will never request any financial information immediately. Do not reveal confidential or sensitive information without ensuring the request is coming from Linchpin Solutions directly. Please do not hesitate to contact us at [phone] if you suspect any type of social engineering attacks such as phishing, spear phishing, baiting or any other suspicious activity.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.