Instructional Designer and Simulation Specialist

Southwest Power Pool • Little Rock, AR

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Instructional Designer & Simulation Training Specialist is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality training programs that support the readiness and performance of Southwest Power Pool (SPP) system operators and operations support personnel. This role combines modern instructional design practices with simulation-based training development to support real-time operations. The position develops eLearning and asynchronous learning solutions while also creating and maintaining realistic training scenarios within the GE Dispatch Training Simulators (DTS and MRTS). These simulation scenarios are used to reinforce reliability concepts, operational decision-making, and operator response to abnormal and emergency system conditions. Working in close collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs), operations leadership, and the Operations Analysis and Performance Support training team, this role ensures training materials are technically accurate, instructionally sound, and aligned with regulatory expectations such as NERC operator training and credential maintenance requirements, SPP protocols and criteria.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Instructional Design, Education, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant operations, technical, or instructional experience
• 4 years Instructional design, simulation-based training, electric utility industry operations, or performance support in a technical operations environment
• NERC Operator Certification or the ability to obtain certification within twelve (12) months of hire. within 1 Year

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing simulation-based training scenarios using the GE Dispatch Training Simulator (DTS/MRTS) or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting training programs within electric utility operations or bulk electric system environments.
• Familiarity with NERC Reliability Standards, operator training requirements, and credential maintenance programs.
• Working knowledge of energy markets and real-time system operations.
• Understanding of the Eastern and Western Interconnections, particularly as it relates to SPP’s footprint.
• Knowledge of SPP Criteria, Market Protocols, OATT, and relevant FERC orders.
• Experience supporting operator qualification programs, drills, or large-scale simulation exercises (e.g., restoration drills, GridEx).
• Understanding of project management principles and experience managing training-related initiatives.
• Real-Time Operations qualification or the ability to obtain qualification within a defined timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Analyze operational training needs in collaboration with system operators, engineers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure the delivery format and content align with identified needs.
• Evaluate job tasks, reliability-related tasks, and performance gaps to inform training solutions.
• Assess system changes, operational procedures, and emerging reliability risks to determine training solutions.
• Review feedback, assessment results, and performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Partner with trainers, SMEs, and operations leadership to translate operational requirements into effective training solutions.
• Facilitate discussions with SMEs to validate technical accuracy and ensure alignment with real-time operations.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to support simulation exercises, drills, and training events.
• Serve as a liaison between training, operations, and technical teams to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
• Support operator readiness initiatives by collaborating on training strategies and priorities.
• Partner with development teams on new and changing application software that may impact system operators’ workflows, tools, or interfaces for training purposes.
• Coordinate and ensure the accessibility of all training solutions with the Learning Management System (LMS) in collaboration with the system administrator.
• Collaborate with staff and SMEs to pilot all new training solutions prior to implementation.
• Lead coordination of eLearning development efforts, including project initiatives, deliverables and timelines.
• Design and develop engaging training solutions including, eLearning, asynchronous courses, blended learning, and instructor-led materials.
• Develop detailed lesson plans, scripts, delivery timelines and obtain SME approval for all training solutions to ensure compliance requirements and project/departmental timelines are met.
• Translate complex technical content into clear, structured, and instructionally sound training solutions.
• Design and develop simulation scenarios in the GE Dispatch Training Simulator (DTS/MRTS) that replicate real-world grid conditions.
• Build scenarios that support operator proficiency in reliability-related tasks, emergency operations, and restoration activities.
• Support delivery of simulation-based training events, including drills, exercises, and readiness assessments.
• Maintain and update training solutions and simulation scenarios to reflect system and procedural changes.
• Integrate multimedia elements (audio, graphics, animations, video) into training solutions to enhance the learner’s experience.
• Capture and edit audio and/or video as needed to support training.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, observations, and participant feedback.
• Track and report training metrics related to operator performance and program effectiveness.
• Ensure alignment and traceability between learning objectives, training solutions, and assessment artifacts to support audit and compliance requirements.
• Incorporate evaluation data into updates to training solutions to drive continuous improvement.
• Stay current on industry trends, instructional design practices, and simulation-based training methodologies.
• Support training solutions aligned with NERC operator certification and desk qualification programs.

Benefits

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level