Instructional Designer (Remote)

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.; Calabasas (CA); Remote; USD 70,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Sick time

Job summary

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc. is seeking an Instructional Designer (Remote) to design and develop engaging, learner-centered training that improves associate performance and business outcomes.

You will collaborate with SMEs and stakeholders to analyze needs, create instructional content, and iterate across multiple modalities. The role requires hands-on Storyline experience, strong adult learning foundations, and a passion for learning new tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Education, Instructional Design, or related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in instructional design or learning development.
• Hands-on experience with Articulate Storyline (≥2 years) to build custom eLearning.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders and SMEs to identify objectives and performance gaps.
• Translate business requirements into learning goals and experiences.
• Design and develop learning solutions across modalities (eLearning, ILT, virtual training).
• Publish content in LMS/LXP using SCORM/xAPI and ensure accessibility.
• Collaborate with SMEs, lead design reviews, and manage timelines.

Skills

Instructional design

Adult learning principles

Written communication

Visual communication

Time management

Learning agility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or Instructional Design

Tools

Articulate Storyline

Vyond

InDesign

Adobe Creative Cloud

LMS platforms

SCORM/xAPI

Accessibility design practices

Job description

The Instructional Designer designs and develops engaging, learner centered training solutions that support Associate performance and business outcomes. This role collaborates with subject matter experts and stakeholders to analyze learning needs, creates effective instructional content, and continuously improves learning experiences across multiple modalities. The ideal candidate brings strong foundational instructional design skills, hands on experience with Articulate Storyline, and a high aptitude for learning new tools, technologies, and business concepts.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Learning Strategy & Analysis:
• Partner with stakeholders and SMEs to identify learning objectives and performance gaps.
• Translate business requirements into clear learning goals, instructional strategies, and learning experiences.
• Apply adult learning principles and basic learning science to instructional decisions.
• Design & Development:
• Design and develop instructionally sound learning solutions adhering to internal processes and established design standards
• Develop solutions across modalities including:
• Interactive eLearning courses using Articulate Storyline (minimum 2 years of hands on experience).
• Instructor led and virtual training materials
• Microlearning, job aids, videos, and blended solutions
• Utilize additional tools such as Articulate Rise, Vyond, InDesign, or other Adobe Creative Cloud applications as appropriate.
• Ensure materials are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with basic WCAG 2.1 standards.
• Technology & Platforms:
• Publish and maintain learning content in LMS/LXP platforms.
• Apply basic standards such as SCORM and/or xAPI when publishing content.
• Troubleshoot course issues and collaborate with LMS administrators as needed.
• Demonstrate willingness and ability to quickly learn new authoring tools and learning technologies.
• Collaboration & Project Support:
• Work collaboratively with project leads, SMEs, and peers to understand project goals, processes, and details while meeting timelines and quality standards.
• Participate in design reviews, revisions, and quality assurance checks.
• Lead effective meetings with SMEs/stakeholders to communicate progress, risks, and recommendations clearly and professionally.
• Partners with Sr. Instructional Designer and Support Team for complex initiatives.
• Maintain and update project and task status in Monday.com to manage workload effectively and ensure accurate tracking of learning assets within the content library.
• Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:
• Support evaluation of learning effectiveness through learner feedback, assessments, and completion data.
• Update and improve content based on feedback, business changes, and performance insights.
• Maintain version control and documentation for assigned learning assets.
• Professional Growth & Learning Mindset:
• Demonstrate a strong aptitude for learning new content, tools, and instructional methods.
• Stay informed about instructional design trends, emerging tools, and best practices.
• Actively seek and apply feedback to improve design quality and efficiency.

Scope

• Staff supervision and development: No
• Decision making: Makes design decisions within defined standards; escalates risks or issues as appropriate.
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Flex Designation: Anywhere

The anticipated salary range for this position is $69,500 — $104,200 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, preferably in Education, Instructional Design, or related subject preferred.

Years of Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in an instructional design or learning development role, including at least 2 years of hands on experience using Articulate Storyline to build custom e learning. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new tools, systems, and subject matter, with experience developing digital learning solutions for corporate, customer service, or operational environments preferred.

Skills

• Required Skills:
• Proficiency in Articulate Storyline (minimum 2 years).
• Solid understanding of instructional design fundamentals and adult learning principles.
• Strong written and visual communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High learning agility and curiosity.
• Preferred Skills:
• Experience with Vyond, InDesign, or other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
• Familiarity with LMS platforms and e learning standards (SCORM/xAPI).
• Exposure to accessibility and inclusive design practices.
• Basic project coordination or agile development experience.
• Core Competencies:
• Learner Centered Design
• Continuous Learning & Adaptability
• Attention to Detail & Quality
• Collaboration & Communication
• Creative Problem Solving

Physical Requirements

Corporate – Remote – General office environment requiring ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time .
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing.
• Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
• The ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety

Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

About Harbor Freight Tools

Founded in 1977, we are a $10 billion national tool retailer with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth mindset of a Championship Team. With more than 1,600 stores across 48 states, we’re continuing to grow and open new locations every month. We offer our customers more than 6,000 tools and accessories, from hand tools and generators to air and power tools, shop equipment, and automotive tools. By delivering quality and value to our customers, we’ve built a culture where Associates can learn, grow, and do meaningful work every day.

Instructional Designer (Remote) | Harbor Freight Tools