Instructional Systems Designer

Socket.dev; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an experienced Instructional Systems Designer to join a training development team supporting a government client. The role focuses on designing, developing, and modernizing training for military organizations in support of Cloud-Based Command and Control, ensuring engagement, relevance, and alignment with client expectations.

The position is hybrid with office work at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, requiring collaboration with SMEs, instructors, multimedia developers, and stakeholders

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship with an active clearance (Secret minimum).
• Experience designing training for adult learners.
• Experience working with subject matter experts and stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and update training materials aligned with system design updates.
• Apply ADDIE, SAM, or similar models to create learning solutions.
• Work with SMEs to translate complex content into clear objectives, lessons, and assessments.
• Develop instructor-led, blended, scenario-based, and interactive learning experiences.

Skills

Instructional design

Adult learning theory

Curriculum development

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant field

Master's degree in relevant field

PhD in relevant field

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Job description

SAIC is seeking an experienced Instructional Systems Designer to join a talented training development team supporting a government client. The selected candidate will help design, develop, and modernize training for military organizations in support of Cloud-Based Command and Control, ensuring that course content is engaging, mission-relevant, instructionally sound, and aligned with client expectations.

This role requires a skilled learning professional with strong instructional design expertise, and the ability to work closely with subject matter experts, instructors, multimedia developers, graphics specialists, and client stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of adult learning principles, curriculum development, and the unique needs of learners entering a complex mission environment. This position is Hybrid with office work being done at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and updating training materials aligned with system design updates
• Applying instructional design methodologies such as ADDIE, SAM, or similar models to create effective learning solutions
• Working with subject matter experts to analyze training needs and translate complex technical or mission-focused content into clear learning objectives, lessons, activities, and assessments
• Developing instructor-led, blended, scenario-based, role-play, and interactive learning experiences
  Creating and revising lesson plans, facilitator guides, student guides, slide decks, exercises, assessments, job aids, and supporting course materials
• Collaborating with instructors, course directors, multimedia developers, graphics teams, and client stakeholders to produce high-quality training products
• Supporting the design of training that prepares new employees for success in their roles and reinforces organizational standards, expectations, and mission priorities
• Incorporating adult learning principles, practical application, learner engagement strategies, and performance-based outcomes into course design
• Reviewing existing curriculum to identify gaps, outdated content, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement
• Supporting course pilots, classroom observations, learner evaluations, and after-action reviews
• Using student feedback, instructor input, and performance data to recommend and implement course improvements
• Ensuring training materials are accurate, current, well-organized, and suitable for delivery in a classified government environment
• Maintaining strong communication with the client and internal team to ensure training development activities remain on schedule and aligned with program requirements

Qualifications

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and six (6) years or more of related experience; Masters and four (4) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years experience

• U.S. Citizenship, and an Active Secret clearance, with the ability to attain a TS/SCI
• Prior experience working in or supporting NORTHCOM and related organizations
• Demonstrated experience designing training for adult learners
• Strong understanding of instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and curriculum development best practices
• Experience developing instructor-led training, blended learning, scenario-based training, role-play activities, practical exercises, and assessments
• Ability to work effectively with subject matter experts to capture, organize, and translate complex information into usable training materials
• Strong writing, editing, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, client-facing environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, especially PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
• Ability to work collaboratively with instructional designers, instructors, multimedia specialists, graphics teams, course managers, and government stakeholders

SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion.

For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.