Senior Operator Instructor / Developer

Milwaukee Succeeds; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k and/or employee savings programs

Vacation and holidays

Employee assistance programs

Disability benefits

Life insurance

Learning and development programs

Job summary

Komatsu seeks an Operator Instructor/Developer to build and deliver comprehensive training for heavy equipment operators. The role focuses on safe operation, curriculum design, and hands-on instruction across multiple projects and sites.

Responsibilities include maintaining training materials, serving as a subject matter expert, and collaborating with engineers and site leaders to ensure high-quality training outcomes. Travel is required to support field delivery.

Qualifications

• Education preferred but not required; relevant industry experience accepted
• 8–15 years driving construction/mining equipment operations
• Strong communication and collaboration to support trainers and customers
• Certifications in operation/industry are a plus

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom and hands-on training across equipment types
• Design and maintain OEM-level training materials and guides
• Act as SME for equipment performance and operator issues
• Evaluate course effectiveness and update content accordingly
• Collaborate with site leadership and trainers to meet customer goals

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Training delivery

Adult learning

Report writing

Education

Associate/Bachelor in education or tech

Industry experience accepted in lieu of education

Tools

Komatsu equipment knowledge

Training equipment & facilities

Job description

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

Job Overview

The purpose of a heavy equipment Operator Instructor/Developer is to create and deliver comprehensive training programs that ensure operators are proficient in the safe and efficient use of heavy equipment. This role involves supporting curriculum development, conducting hands-on training sessions, and assessing operator performance to meet industry standards. Additionally, the instructor/developer stays updated with the latest equipment technologies and regulatory requirements to continuously improve training materials. Ultimately, this position aims to enhance operational safety, productivity, and compliance within the construction industry.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Deliver Training: Deliver both classroom and hands-on practical instruction on operating various products covering both theory and practical operation. Provide operating techniques to optimize machine efficiency. Teach proper startup, shutdown, safe operating practices, and emergency procedures (50%)
• Design & Develop Curriculum: Support development and maintain OEM-level training materials, including instructor guides, student manuals, quick reference guides, quizzes, and troubleshooting aids. Assist with the Train-the-Trainer programs for dealers and mine site trainers globally. (30%)
• Subject Matter Experts (SME) & Product Support: Act as the SME for relevant equipment, supporting internal stakeholders with expert guidance on machine behavior, operator error, and operator inefficiencies. Provide feedback to engineering, product management, and R&D on machine performance, usability, and field challenges. (10%)
• Evaluate Course Effectiveness: They perform in-depth needs analysis on course effectiveness and revise materials continually as content and approach changes dictate. (5%)
• Stakeholder Engagement & Operational Excellence: Collaborate with customer site leadership and existing operators to tailor training to customer-specific needs and operations goals. Support the onboarding and development of new trainers and mentor junior instructors on field delivery, adult learning strategies, and Komatsu equipment nuances. Advocate for best practices in mining safety, data integrity, and performance-based decision-making. (5%)

Qualifications/Requirements

• Education: Associate or bachelor's degree in education or technology is preferred but not required. Direct relevant industry experience will be accepted in lieu of education.
• Experience: Minimum 8 - 15 years of experience operating construction or mining class products.
• Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey technical information and foster a collaborative learning environment. Ability to provide detailed reports and feedback to service engineers and the manufacturing plants regarding any relevant machine issues from customers. Ability to collaborate with internal team and Komatsu customers to schedule courses, resources, and equipment to accommodate the training courses.
• Certifications: Industry certifications documenting operation skills from a recognized certifying board are preferred.
• Travel: 40% domestic and internation travel.

Preferred Skills

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and maintain positive relationships with students.
• Innovative Teaching Methods: Creativity in developing engaging and effective teaching strategies.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in the field.
• Assessment Skills: Proficiency in evaluating student performance and providing constructive feedback.
• Leadership & mentoring capability: Ability to guide and inspire operators and instructors, fostering a growth mindset and professional development
• Analytical thinking & field diagnostics: Skill in identifying and resolving operational issues through systematic analysis and practical solutions
• Collaboration across departments and cultures: Ability to work seamlessly with various departments and individuals from different cultural backgrounds to achieve collective goals.
• Product Specific Skills / Knowledge:
  • Komatsu Wheel loaders, haul truck, and/or dozer products
  • Experience in a production environment and knowledge of mining operations

Company Benefits

Komatsu provides an extensive and robust employee benefits package that is designed to enhance the well-being of our employees and family members. We embrace a positive and empowering employee experience with a culture that prides itself on a diverse and inclusive environment.

• 401k and/or employee savings programs
• Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
• Employee and family assistance programs
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Employee learning and development programs

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu, we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. Connected by our core values of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity, we are committed to continually advancing in our support of diversity and inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.

Company Information

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Since the company's founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development and giving back. As a Komatsu employee, you will be encouraged to grow alongside our global company, contributing to a more sustainable future for all. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, join Komatsu to be a part of something big and help advance modern society. Learn more at www.komatsu.com.

EEO Statement

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affi‑rmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.