Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Instructional Systems Designer
Career Insights for Curriculum and Instructional Designer / Developer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Maryland data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Curriculum and Instructional Designer or Developer designs and develops instructional materials and methods for teachers. Analyzes what is needed for students, identifies learning objectives, and designs the content and format of instructional material and delivery. Uses instructional design to create instructional materials, which may include text, electronic and visual material. Works for a school or college or for an education, software or publishing company.
$88,054 / year median in Maryland
-4% projected decline
Job Description
The Instructional Systems Designer applies established instructional design methodologies and adult learning principles to develop engaging, accurate, and effective learning content for government and contractor personnel.
ResponsibilitiesEssential Job Duties:
- Analyze training requirements, operational procedures, and workforce development needs to determine appropriate instructional solutions.
- Design and develop instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (VILT), eLearning modules, job aids, manuals, guides, assessments, and other training materials.
- instructional design methodologies such as ADDIE, SAM, or other industry-standard frameworks.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts, management, and government personnel to gather technical content and validate training materials.
- Develop learning objectives, course outlines, lesson plans, assessments, and evaluation criteria.
- Create engaging instructional content using adult learning principles and performance-based training techniques.
- Ensure training materials comply with government standards, accessibility requirements, branding guidelines, and contract requirements.
- Review and revise training materials based on stakeholder feedback, policy updates, operational changes, and evaluation results.
- Support implementation and delivery of training programs in classroom, virtual, or self-paced environments.
- Maintain course documentation, version control, and training records as required.
- Conduct training effectiveness evaluations and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive, controlled, or proprietary information.
- Provide additional support to word processing, 508 reviews, editorials, notetaking, and instructional systems design as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Mandatory:
- Bachelor's degree in Instructional Systems Design, Education, Training and Development, Organizational Development, Communications, Human Resources, or related field required.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in instructional design and/or technical writing experience.
- Experience supporting federal government, military, defense, or contractor environments preferred.
- Knowledge of instructional design methodologies, adult learning principles, and training evaluation techniques.
- Experience developing training materials for technical, operational, administrative, or compliance-related subjects.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
- Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and eLearning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Captivate, Camtasia, or similar platforms preferred.
- Strong written, verbal, organizational, and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-hire drug screening.
Preferred:
- Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or federal agency training programs.
- Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility requirements and compliance standards.
- Experience developing online, blended, or virtual learning solutions.
- Knowledge of competency-based training and workforce development practices.
- Professional certifications such as ATD, CPTD, or related instructional design certifications preferred.
Working Conditions:
- Work is primarily performed in an office, training, or remote support environment.
- May require extended periods of computer use, curriculum development, and virtual collaboration.
- Occasional travel or overtime may be required to support contract and mission requirements.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment and computers.
- Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing computer-based work and training development activities.