Instruction Systems Designer (Combat Systems)

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Pioneering Evolution is seeking a highly experienced Instructional Systems Designer (Combat Systems) to support the design, development, and delivery of advanced technical training for International Military Students (IMS). The role will focus on creating shipboard crew training programs for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) platform, leveraging both classroom and computer-based training (CBT) environments. The Instructional Systems Designer will collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure all training materials are technically accurate, instructionally sound, and tailored for tactile learners. This position requires a Secret Clearance and U.S. Citizenship, with training conducted in classroom, laboratory, and shipboard environments.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop short-duration technical courses for International Military Students (IMS), integrating SME input to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Employ instructional strategies that support tactile learning, including coaching, mentoring, and apprentice-style delivery methods.
• Ensure training content complies with curriculum development standards, client specifications, and educational best practices.
• Develop course outlines, task lists, learning objectives, lesson plans, trainee guides, exercise packages, and progress tests.
• Work with SMEs to define content requirements and develop supporting graphics, animations, and multimedia elements.
• Research, create, and format graphics/animations to enhance training materials.
• Manage electronic course files, ensuring proper formatting, file storage, and version control across electronic media.
• Conduct curriculum maintenance, including writing learning objectives, drafting test items, and evaluating instructional materials.
• Perform quality assurance checks on all finished deliverables, including documents, electronic files, and multimedia.
• Provide subject matter guidance to the curriculum development team, ensuring technically accurate and logically sequenced materials.
• Train MMSC sailors in Operations and Combat Systems Department functions, including:
• Weapons systems employment and limitations
• Automated system operations
• Mission planning, execution, and communications
• Team performance in minimally manned, highly automated ship environments
• Conduct training across OJT, classroom, laboratory, and land-based trainers to support both individual and team-level readiness.
• Act as an independent assessor during crew certification events, utilizing Train-to-Qualify/Train-to-Certify frameworks, virtual reality labs, and underway platforms.
• Counsel students on academic performance, learning challenges, and professional development.

Required Experience:

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or Instructional Systems Design.
• 20+ years of U.S. Navy operational experience (LPO, CPO, DIVO, HOD, Deck Watch Officer, or CIC/MCC Watchstander).
• 15+ years’ experience as a designer, trainer, or educator for U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard training courses.
• 15+ years’ experience in shipboard systems training.
• 3+ years’ experience developing courses for international students.
• 3+ years’ experience with Security Cooperation, Foreign Military Sales, or Mobile Training Teams.
• 3+ years’ international military training experience.
• Designation as a Master Training Specialist.
• 3+ years as a U.S. Navy “A” and “C” School Instructor and Curriculum Manager.
• Demonstrated experience developing technically accurate training materials, test items, and assessments.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work productively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Desired Experience:

• Experience developing training for highly automated or minimally manned naval platforms.
• Familiarity with training development for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs.
• Experience with virtual reality (VR) or simulation-based training tools.
• Knowledge of instructional technology and multimedia design standards.
• Prior involvement in international defense training or coalition operations.
• Demonstrated success briefing senior military leaders and international partners.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE OFFER:

In addition to competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development and advancement, our employees enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits. To keep pace with the changing needs of our employees, we continually evaluate benefit plans. Current benefits include:

• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Legal assistance
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D
• Company-paid long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) plan with company contribution
• Continuing education opportunities