Field Technical instructor

GP Strategies•Troy, MI

About The Position

The Field Technical Instructor delivers advanced, performance-based training on industrial automation systems to customers across a variety of industries. The instructor works directly with customers to build technical capability, support adoption of automation technologies, and improve real-world performance outcomes. Training is delivered both in-house and at customer sites and covers technologies including PLCs, drives, motion control, and industrial networking. The role involves tailoring instruction to customer operational needs, adapting course content and delivery to learners’ experience and objectives, and providing targeted coaching to address skill gaps. The instructor maintains and expands technical expertise across product families and evolving Rockwell Automation technologies, tools, and software platforms. They also monitor learner feedback, identify and address learning or delivery issues, and improve the quality of the learning experience. Operational duties include setting up, breaking down, maintaining, packing, and transporting classroom and training equipment and materials, as well as documenting issues affecting course quality or customer experience. The instructor may identify additional training or product-engagement opportunities, support sales efforts by communicating customer needs, represent the organization professionally, and mentor less experienced instructors. The role requires extensive travel, including possible weekend travel, and flexibility and independence in a dynamic, customer-facing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Education, Electrical Engineering, Technical Instruction, or a related technical field, or 5+ years of relevant field experience in industrial automation.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to teach technical concepts effectively.
Ability to manage travel, logistics, and independent schedules.
Extensive travel is required, including possible weekend travel.
Flexibility and independence in a dynamic, customer-facing role.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience in industrial automation training or instruction.
Strong technical expertise in PLCs, including Logix5000 / Studio 5000.
Strong technical expertise in PowerFlex drives.
Strong technical expertise in HMIs and FactoryTalk software.
Strong technical expertise in motion control systems and industrial networking.
Experience working with Rockwell Automation platforms is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Facilitate performance-based training in-house and at customer sites.
Deliver instruction on industrial automation technologies, including PLCs, drives, motion control, and industrial networking.
Create practical, engaging learning environments that clarify complex technical concepts.
Partner with customers to identify training requirements and tailor delivery to operational needs.
Adapt course content and delivery to audience experience levels and learning objectives.
Identify learner skill gaps and provide targeted coaching.
Maintain competency in assigned course topics and expand knowledge across product families.
Stay current with Rockwell Automation technologies, tools, and software platforms.
Continuously improve technical expertise and instructional delivery skills.
Monitor course evaluations and learner feedback to support customer satisfaction.
Diagnose learning challenges and implement corrective or remedial strategies.
Analyze feedback and address performance or delivery gaps.
Set up, break down, and maintain classroom and training equipment.
Pack and transport training tools and materials for field delivery.
Report and document issues that may affect course quality or customer experience.
Identify opportunities for additional training or product engagement through student interactions.
Support sales efforts by recognizing and communicating customer needs.
Represent the organization professionally and mentor less experienced instructors.