Learning Innovations Designer

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Learning Innovations Designer within the Operations Training Department to drive the strategic development and deployment of VR, AR, and AI-based training programs for its mechanical and engineering workforce.

You will coordinate immersive content platforms, manage relationships across departments, and help ensure training is scalable, compliant, and aligned with KPIs while guiding budgeting and digital infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Film, Digital Media, Computer Science, Instructional Design or related field OR equivalent five years of experience in instructional design or training.
• Knowledge of scenario-based learning, micro-learning, blended modalities (ILT/VILT/e-Learning/VR/AR/onsite).
• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
• Knowledge of VR/AR hardware and workflows.
• Knowledge of authoring tools: Storyline/Rise, Captivate, Camtasia (or equivalents).
• Ability to select methods (VR/AR/simulation vs. e-Learning/ILT) that maximize learning transfer under safety and operational constraints.
• Ability to observe in yards/shops/stations to convert real workflows into safe training.
• Ability to communicate pilot outcomes and safety impact to leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage relationships with trainers, SMEs, and senior management.
• Skills in translating business goals into objectives, storyboards, and assessments and build polished e-Learning and immersive training experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of VR, AR, and AI-driven training programs.
• Enhance workplace safety through immersive technologies and simulations.
• Lead hands-on prototyping with VR/AR, AI agents, simulations, and game mechanics.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to enhance training delivery and analytics.
• Serve as liaison with internal stakeholders and external partners on digital training projects.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.
• Coordinate budgeting, procurement, and digital infrastructure for training initiatives.

Skills

Scenario-based learning

Micro-learning

Blended modalities

AI tools

VR/AR workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree in Film, Digital Media, Computer Science, Instructional Design or related field

Tools

Storyline

Rise

Captivate

Camtasia

Job description

Salary Range

$85,035.00 - $127,553.00

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Operations Training Department is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering training services for the Mechanical and Engineering Divisions. Training is delivered to comply with Federal Railroad Administration and OSHA regulations. The Mechanical Division audience includes Carmen, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, and Machinists. The Engineering Division audience includes the workforce employed by the Track, Signal, Capital Construction, Communications, Electrical Maintenance and Building/Bridges departments.

The Learning Innovations Designer plays a key role within the Operations Training department, supporting Metra University in driving the strategic development and implementation of advanced, technology-enabled training initiatives. This position helps shape the department's digital transformation by coordinating the design and delivery of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI)-based training programs that prepare employees for the evolving demands of the operational environment. The role oversees the creation and maintenance of immersive learning environments, digital content platforms, and internal support systems. The incumbent will manage strategic relationships across departments and agencies to ensure that training initiatives are responsive, scalable, and aligned with organizational priorities and KPIs Additionally, the Designer will work cross functionally to project manage both technical innovation and essential departmental operations such as budgeting, procurement, and digital infrastructure.

The primary duties include: Lead the design, development, and delivery of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven training programs, with a focus on improving workforce safety, technical proficiency, incident reduction, and customer satisfaction. Enhance workplace safety through implementation of immersive technologies and simulation-based training for high-risk operational tasks. Lead hands-on prototyping with VR/AR, AI agents, simulations, and game mechanics (branching scenarios, consequences, scoring). 4. Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that enhance training delivery, personalization, and performance tracking, including AI-based learning analytics. Serve as primary liaison with internal stakeholders, and external partners on matters related to digital training programs, innovation projects, and data systems. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Film, Digital Media, Computer Science, Instructional Design or a related field OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals five (5) years in instructional design, training coordination, multimedia development in a learning organization, or video game design.
2. Knowledge of scenariobased learning, micro-learning, blended modalities (ILT/VILT/e-Learning/VR/AR/onthejob).
3. Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
4. Knowledge of Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality hardware and workflows.
5. Knowledge of authoring tools: Storyline/Rise, Captivate, Camtasia (or equivalents).
6. Ability to select methods (VR/AR/simulation vs. e-Learning/ILT) that maximize learning transfer under safety and operational constraints.
7. Ability to conduct observations in yards/shops/stations to convert real workflows and hazards into safe, repeatable training.
8. Ability to communicate pilot outcomes and safety/performance impact to leadership and broader stakeholders.
9. Ability to manage relationships with various stakeholders, including trainers, subject matter experts, and senior management.
10. Skills in translating business goals into objectives, storyboards, and assessments and build polished e-Learning, micro-learning, VR-learning, and other immersive training experiences.
11. Strong problem-solving skills to address and overcome challenges that arise during projects.
12. Skills in evaluating platforms, conduct buildvsbuy analyses, draft RFP requirements, and estimate cost/benefit.
13. Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
14. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
15. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
16. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
17. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
18. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
19. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact [e-mail]. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.