Instructional Designer Sr

Spectraforce Technologies; Livermore (CA); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 152,000; Part time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies is seeking a Senior Instructional Designer to lead the design and development of technical training programs for Hydro Operations. This contract role supports workforce development, ensures compliance with operational standards, and aligns with the client's strategic goals in Livermore, CA.

Responsibilities include needs assessments, curriculum mapping, SME collaboration, ADDIE-guided course development, QA reviews, and strong project management to deliver on time and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, or related field.
• At least 5 years of instructional design experience, including 2 years in a leadership or mentoring role.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design for classroom and technical environments.
• Experience designing multi-year technical training programs.
• Proven experience managing small to mid-sized projects.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments and front-end analyses to identify training requirements and learning solutions.
• Collaborate with Senior Learning Strategists to determine learning strategies and curriculum maps.
• Work with SMEs to review off-the-shelf courses for Technician curriculum.
• Guide the use of learning technologies to enhance training; propose solutions.
• Coach and support Instructional Designers to follow ADDIE for new courses.
• Lead the team to meet quality standards and perform QA reviews.
• Estimate project costs and develop schedules with design team.
• Manage project execution; deliver on time and within budget.
• Facilitate Kick-offs, Betas, Train-the-Trainers, and Pilots; track status.

Skills

Technical training experience

Project management experience

Technical writing experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design or Education

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Articulate Storyline

Video production

Web design

Job description

Senior Instructional Designer, Contract Hydro Operations

Duration: 4+months with possible extension

Location: Livermore, CA- Hybrid (2-5 days a month in office)

Top Things Looking For

• TECHNICAL TRAINING EXPERIENCE
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
• TECHNICAL WRITING EXPERIENCE

About the Role

The client's Academy is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Instructional Designer (SID) to support our internal Power Generation client. In this contract role, you will lead the design and development of technical training programs in the Hydro operations work area. Your work will support workforce development, ensure compliance with operational standards, and align with the client's strategic goals.

What You'll Do

• Conduct needs assessments and front-end analyses (FEA) to identify training requirements and recommend effective learning solutions for Hydro Operations end users.
• Collaborate with the Senior Learning Strategists and Instructional Designers to determine learning strategies, create curriculum maps, and assessment approaches.
• Work with SMEs to review off-the-shelf courses for inclusion in the Technician curriculum.
• Guide the use of appropriate learning technologies and tools to enhance training effectiveness. Propose solutions to stakeholders.
• Coach and support Instructional Designers to follow the ADDIE model to create new technical training courses.
• Lead the team to meet quality standards; perform quality assurance (QA) reviews.
• Estimate project costs and develop schedules in collaboration with the Senior Learning Strategist and Instructional Designers.
• Manage project execution ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget.
• Facilitate key project meetings, including Kick-offs, Betas, Train-the-Trainers, and Pilots.
• Track project status and provide updates to stakeholders.
• Proactively identify opportunities for improvement. Collect and analyze training effectiveness metrics and apply continuous improvement strategies.
• Archive course materials and complete project close-out activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 5 years of instructional design experience, including 2 years in a leadership or mentoring role.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design for classroom and technical or trades environments.
• Demonstrated experience designing multi-year technical training programs.
• Proven experience managing small to mid-sized projects.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across functions with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Articulate Storyline, video production, and web design.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing apprenticeship programs in skilled trades.
• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working in the utility industry, trades or a similar environment.
• Familiarity with tools such as Questionmark, Author-It, MS Teams, and virtual learning platforms.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence tools to support efficient work.

Key Competencies

• Excellent analysis skills.
• Strategic thinking and project management.
• Ability to managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Self-motivated and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

• Must be in the client's territory.
• Monthly to quarterly travel to the client's locations is required, including Auburn, Livermore, Vacaville, and Antioch. Additional travel to PGEN watersheds may be required on an as-needed basis.
• Occasional overnight stays may be necessary to support client meetings and project milestones.
• Contract is one year with potential to extend.