Instructional Systems Designer

Leidos; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in McLean, Virginia is seeking an experienced Training Development Specialist to lead the instructional design life-cycle across instructor-led, web-based, blended learning, and performance support.

You will perform needs analyses, design learning strategies, develop, test, and evaluate courses, and manage training projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure measurable outcomes.

A TS/SCI with poly, a bachelor's or master's degree with relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• TS/SCI with poly is required.
• Bachelor's Degree with 8+ years of relevant experience, or Master's with 6+ years.
• Experience with Instructional Design.
• Experience with Captivate.

Responsibilities

• Execute all facets of the training development life-cycle for multiple training types (instructor-led, web-based, blended learning, performance support).
• Conduct needs analyses and training needs analyses, including gap, contextual, and root-cause analyses.
• Select and design innovative instructional and learning strategies and technologies to optimize learning and achieve objectives.
• Develop, execute, and test training courses and performance support products.
• Perform QA and QC activities, including SME reviews, design reviews, pilots, and hot washes.
• Create and conduct training evaluations across levels for maximum impact.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks in training project plans and schedules.
• Manage and execute all aspects of training projects, including schedules, resources, and scope.

Skills

TS/SCI with poly

Instructional Design

Education

Bachelor's Degree + 8 years experience

Master's Degree + 6 years experience

Tools

Captivate

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

Unleash your potential at Leidos, where we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customer’s success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

The Challenge

• Execute all facets of the training development life-cycle for various training types, including instructor‑led courses, web‑based and online training, blended learning, and performance support.
• Conduct needs assessments and training needs analyses, including gap, contextual, and root‑cause analyses.
• Select and design innovative instructional and learning strategies and associated technologies to optimize learning and achieve learning objectives.
• Develop, execute, and test training courses and performance support products.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control activities, including SME reviews, design reviews, course pilots, and hot washes.
• Create and conduct training evaluations, both formative and summative, across all levels for maximum impact.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with training project plans and schedules.
• Manage and execute all aspects of training projects, including schedules, resources, and scope.

What Sets You Apart

• Must possess a TS/SCI with poly to be considered.
• Bachelor's Degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience or a Master's Degree and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Instructional Design.
• Must have experience with Captivate

Demonstrated Experience In The Following

• Identifying performance gaps or learning needs.
• Formally documenting instructional design plans.
• Using empirical data to make instructional design decisions.
• Ensuring instructional solutions address performance gaps.
• Identifying and making improvements to instruction.
• Designing instructional strategies that engage, motivate, or are learner‑centered.
• Using face‑to‑face, online, and blended learning strategies.
• Developing project management plans for instructional design projects.
• Designing assessments of learning.
• Collaborating across functional teams.
• Software experience or knowledge

You Might Also Have

• Instructional Design Certification from an accredited institution.
• Prior Customer experience.
• Experience with online learning platforms and tools.
• Previous experience as a facilitator.

Original Posting

July 30, 2026

Pay Range

Pay Range $82,550.00 - $149,225.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.