Senior Instructional Designer Jobs

Senior Instructional Designer

Forge Forward is searching for a Senior Instructional Designer to support a client in Charleston, SC. This position requires a minimum of five (5) years of experience in instructional design and curriculum development for DoD or Navy C4I systems. The Senior Instructional Designer will lead the modernization of the program's training portfolio. This role focuses on the end-to-end transformation of traditional, in-person tactical courses into high-fidelity, on-demand digital learning solutions. The successful candidate will navigate the transition from classroom-based instruction to a scalable digital ecosystem, ensuring that Navy personnel have continuous access to mission-critical training. This role operates within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment, collaborating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to translate complex technical requirements into engaging, SCORM-compliant content for enterprise platforms such as Waypoints and Navy eLearning (NeL).

Functional Skills and Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Modernization: Lead the conversion of three core STACC instructor-led courses into interactive, asynchronous on-demand modules.
• PADDIE+M Management: Execute the full Navy Training Process (NTP) lifecycle as defined by the NAVEDTRA M-142 series.
• NAVIFOR Compliance: Ensure all training products align with NAVIFOR M-3502.1 (Training and Readiness) and Information Warfare "End-to-End" (E2E) readiness goals.
• Interactive Development: Design and develop Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) Level 2 and 3, including software simulations and branched scenarios.
• Platform Integration: Manage the technical packaging, testing, and deployment of courses to Waypoints and Navy eLearning (NeL), ensuring full Section 508 compliance.
• Technical Writing & Storyboarding: Produce high-fidelity storyboards, scripts, and technical documentation, translating "SME-speak" into learner-centric content.
• Collaboration: Participate in technical reviews and engineering boards to ensure training remains synchronized with system baseline updates.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance to existing trainers on digital learning methodologies and eLearning best practices.

Required Skills:

• Five (5) years of experience in Instructional Design and DoD curriculum development.
• Expert-level proficiency in eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate, etc.).
• Deep understanding of NAVEDTRA M-142 series and the Navy Training Process.

Desired Skills:

• Master Training Specialist (MTS) designation or prior Navy Instructor experience.
• Familiarity with Navy C4I/IW systems and shore-based tactical networks.
• Experience with AIM II (Authoring Instructional Materials) or LOM (Learning Object Module).
• Knowledge of Waypoints (Cornerstone OnDemand) platform architecture and deployment requirements.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Instructional Technology, Education, or a related technical field.