Instructional Systems Design Engineer, Expert

Position Overview:

The Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Engineer provides the highest level of subject matter expertise and mentorship in instructional systems design, curriculum development, and training delivery within a complex government contracting environment. This role leads the systematic assessment and development of training solutions for formal delivery, manages teams of instructional designers, and ensures that curriculum and training products align with organizational strategy, learning science best practices, and government program objectives. The ISD Engineer consults on high-visibility ISD studies and projects, refines and upholds standards for curriculum quality, and drives continuous improvement informed by stakeholder feedback.
Please note this position is contingent upon award (July/Aug 2026)  

Key Responsibilities:

•    Consult on complex ISD studies and projects, providing extensive subject matter expertise, strategic guidance, and mentoring to instructional design teams.
•    Perform systematic instructional systems design processes for the assessment and development of training solutions designed for formal delivery.
•    Manage a team of Instructional Designers to develop effective curriculum and training products, promoting a healthy team culture aligned with organizational strategy and goals.
•    Implement curriculum and training design processes to ensure that new and existing products provide intended user experiences and measurable learning outcomes.
•    Refine and uphold curriculum and training standards in accordance with established design principles and learning development best practices.
•    Support field staff in capturing ongoing stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement of curriculum and training, ensuring alignment with evolving best practices and program requirements.
•    Evaluate and select appropriate instructional strategies, delivery modalities (e.g., ILT, eLearning, virtual, blended), and assessment methods.
•    Develop and review project-level training needs assessments, gap analyses, evaluation frameworks, and curriculum maps.
•    Serve as a quality reviewer for all ISD deliverables, ensuring alignment with contract requirements, Section 508 accessibility standards, and adult learning theory.
•    Communicate complex instructional design concepts to diverse stakeholders including program leadership, client representatives, and technical teams.

Required Qualifications:

•    Doctorate Degree in Instructional Systems Design, Instructional Technology, Adult Education, Educational Technology, or a closely related field.
•    Minimum of 10 years of experience in instructional systems design, curriculum development, or training program management.
•    Demonstrated experience leading or managing teams of instructional designers in a government or complex organizational environment.
•    Expert proficiency in instructional systems design models (ADDIE, SAM, Agile ISD) and adult learning theory.
•    Experience developing and delivering multi-modal training solutions including instructor-led training (ILT), eLearning, virtual instructor-led training (vILT), and blended learning.
•    Proficiency with eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline/Rise, Adobe Captivate, Lectora) and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
•    Experience developing training for complex health IT systems and enterprise software in federal or healthcare environments.
•    Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility requirements and application to training materials.
•    Strong project management skills; ability to lead multiple concurrent projects and deliverable streams under deadline pressure.
•    Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; experience presenting to executive-level audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

•    Experience working with the Veterans Health Administration or a similar federal health agency (CDC, CMS, DHA, HHS, etc.).
•    Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
•    Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) from ISPI, or equivalent certification.
•    SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) certification or experience delivering training programs in an Agile/SAFe environment.
•    Familiarity with VA training requirements, VHA employee development policy, and VA Talent Management System (TMS).
•    Knowledge of Kirkpatrick Model or similar training evaluation frameworks for measuring learning effectiveness.
•    Experience training healthcare professionals, clinical informaticists, or health IT end users.
•    Familiarity with SCORM/xAPI standards for eLearning packaging and LMS deployment.

Benefits:

•    Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
•    Short Term Disability / Long Term Disability / Life Insurance / Accidental Death and Dismemberment
•    Health Savings Account
•    Unlimited Paid Time Off
•    11 Federal Holidays Off
•    401k