Instructional Systems Designer – Manufacturing

Our client, a Automotive Manufacturing company, is looking for a Instructional Systems Designer – Manufacturing for their Warren, MI/Hybrid location.
 
Responsibilities:

• The company is dedicated to creating exceptional learning programs that strengthen workforce capability and business performance.
• The Instructional Designer – Manufacturing plays a pivotal role in developing high-quality learning solutions aligned to manufacturing needs.
• This role supports manufacturing organizations by designing engaging, relevant learning experiences that improve safety, quality, standardized work, launch readiness, productivity, and operational performance across plant and manufacturing support environments.
• Learning Strategy & Consulting
• Advise manufacturing business partners, plant stakeholders, and subject matter experts on adult learning principles, performance-based learning strategies, and common misconceptions in workplace learning.
• Conduct needs analyses to identify performance gaps, determine root causes, and recommend targeted learning and performance support interventions for manufacturing environments.
• Partner with SMEs, stakeholders, frontline representatives, and leaders through interviews, observation, and working sessions to validate learning needs and understand operational realities.
• Use insights, data, and business context to align learning strategies with plant, launch, quality, safety, and productivity goals.
• Design & Development
• Design and develop learning experiences using models such as ADDIE, SAM, rapid prototyping, action-based learning, and scenario-based learning.
• Create engaging, practice-focused learning activities that mirror real manufacturing challenges, including equipment, process, quality, safety, troubleshooting, and launch-related scenarios.
• Prepare design documents, learning objectives, assessments, and criteria for success that support performance on the plant floor and in manufacturing support roles.
• Develop multi-modal learning assets including eLearning, ILT/VILT materials, videos, workshops, simulations, and job aids to support manufacturing learners in varied environments.
• Write or refine instructional materials, facilitator guides, scripts, standard-work support resources, and communication pieces that translate complex technical concepts into clear, usable learning content.
• Collaboration & Project Management
• Partner with SMEs, content writers, LPMs, coordinators, project sponsors, and manufacturing stakeholders to gather content, validate technical accuracy, and ensure alignment across functions.
• Support the Learning Program Manager in scoping timelines, resources, dependencies, and development expectations for manufacturing learning initiatives.
• Manage projects using agile design approaches to streamline development and respond to changing manufacturing priorities, launches, and process updates.
• Support LMS setup and integration of manufacturing learning materials, including curricula, job aids, and supporting assets.

• 4+ years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or eLearning, including direct experience supporting manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, operations, quality, safety, or similar technical environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing launches, technical upskilling, or shop-floor capability building.
• Familiarity with plant operations, manufacturing processes, program launches, continuous improvement, or standardized work environments.
• Required experience designing and developing web-based training (WBT) and instructor-led training (ILT), with the ability to build complementary blended learning solutions such as VILT, eLearning, and job aids.
• Strong understanding of instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and modern learning strategies.
• Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Office, Articulate (Storyline and Rise), Vyond, video tools and design software.
• Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences and translate complex operational content into effective learning solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy, quality, and attention to detail.
• Strong consulting, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Portfolio preferred: demonstrated work samples showcasing eLearning, ILT/VILT materials, scenario-based learning, action-based learning, and performance support tools.
• Experience creating learning for topics such as safety systems, quality processes, troubleshooting, ergonomics, throughput, or lean/continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of client principles, workplace safety expectations, or regulated operational environments.
• Graphic design experience, visual storytelling, or user-centered design experience.
• Strong facilitation skills for ILT/VILT working sessions, stakeholder alignment, and technical content reviews.
• Experience with Action Mapping, Design Thinking, scenario-based learning, or branching learning design.
• Experience working in large, matrixed organizations with cross-functional partners.

• Health Benefits
• Referral Program
• Excellent growth and advancement opportunities