Sr. Instructional Designer

Aquent; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid sick leave

Retirement match

Free online training

Job summary

Aquent Talent seeks an exceptional Training Architect to establish foundational training for a new manufacturing workforce in Seattle. You will bridge engineering processes with shop-floor learning, creating an MVP curriculum and governance processes to empower teams from day one.

You will collaborate with SMEs, design Storyline-based content, and drive classroom and digital learning, ensuring measurable improvements in productivity and safety.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in curriculum development for frontline manufacturing or skilled trades.
• Experience turning complex engineering processes into engaging training.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design and ADDIE model.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with SMEs across Safety, Quality, Lean Manufacturing, and Operations to transform knowledge into structured training programs.
• Design and develop a four-module MVP onboarding curriculum (Manufacturing 101, Safety Fundamentals, Quality Fundamentals, Lean Manufacturing Basics).
• Establish templates for decks, facilitator/participant guides, knowledge checks, and video storyboards using Articulate Storyline.
• Create visual, minimal-text instructional flows that emphasize lean principles.
• Support rollout of a SharePoint hub and integrate training with the Docebo LMS.
• Lead a five-gate content governance process from SME intake to deployment and train-the-trainer activities.
• Conduct needs analyses and apply ADDIE to precisely target learning objectives.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through formative assessments and learner feedback for iterative improvements.

Skills

Curriculum design

Project management

Articulate Storyline

LMS

Adult learning theory

Blended learning

Communication

Tools

Articulate Storyline

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Job description

Partnering with Aquent, a leading organization dedicated to innovation and operational excellence, we are at the forefront of transforming our manufacturing capabilities. This rapidly expanding division offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact our workforce by establishing cutting-edge training solutions that drive efficiency and empower our teams.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to spearhead the creation of foundational training architecture for our new manufacturing workforce. This pivotal role will directly influence our operational success, bridging complex engineering processes with accessible, shop-floor-ready learning experiences. You will be instrumental in empowering our teams, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and driving productivity from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate directly with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across Safety, Quality, Lean Manufacturing, and Operations to transform technical knowledge into structured, impactful training programs.
• Design and develop a critical four-module Minimum Viable Product (MVP) onboarding curriculum, including Manufacturing 101, Safety Fundamentals, Quality Fundamentals, and Lean Manufacturing Basics.
• Establish standardized curriculum templates for presentation decks, facilitator/participant guides, knowledge checks, and video storyboards, leveraging tools like Articulate Storyline.
• Champion lean manufacturing principles by creating highly visual, intuitive instructional flows that minimize text-heavy manuals.
• Support the rollout of a new Workforce Development SharePoint hub and seamlessly integrate training content with the organization’s Docebo-based Learning Management System (LMS).
• Lead a robust five-gate content governance process, from initial SME intake through final deployment and comprehensive train-the-trainer activities.
• Conduct ongoing needs analysis and apply core instructional design methodologies (such as the ADDIE model) to ensure all learning objectives are precisely targeted and effectively met.
• Continuously evaluate training effectiveness through formative assessments and learner feedback, driving iterative improvements and refining course design.

Required Qualifications

• Proven track record in curriculum development, specifically within frontline manufacturing or skilled trades training environments.
• Expertise in Articulate Storyline, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and multimedia creation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messaging that resonates with a highly diverse audience, from senior executives to first-year apprentices.
• Strong project management capabilities, demonstrating the ability to work independently and transform vague instructions into polished, effective learning products in a fast-paced setting.
• Deep understanding of adult learning theories and the ability to design comprehensive blended learning solutions (Instructor-Led Training, digital modules, video, job aids) beyond traditional e-learning or compliance slide decks.

Engagement Details

This is an initial 4-month contract engagement, anticipated to begin in early to mid-October.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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