Senior Instructional Designer - Dev Testing and R&D Experience (Feb)

SweetRush•Pittsburgh, PA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced and technical Senior Instructional Designer to join our Research and Development (R&D) team. This role is critical in designing and developing innovative learning solutions for engineers, test drivers, and field operations personnel working on our autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. The ideal candidate will translate complex technical concepts from our R&D and Development Testing programs into effective, scalable learning experiences. This position requires a professional who can operate at the intersection of instructional design principles and the fast-paced, safety-critical nature of autonomous vehicle development.

Requirements

6+ years of progressive experience as an instructional designer, with a demonstrated focus on highly technical or safety-critical domains.
Proven track record designing effective learning solutions for engineers, technicians, or field-based audiences.
Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
Expert-level proficiency with eLearning authoring tools including Articulate Rise, Storyline, and Vyond.
Experience with video production and screen recording software (Camtasia or similar).
Strong understanding of web-based learning technologies and SCORM compliance.
Familiarity with project management and software development tools such as Jira or Confluence.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in the autonomous vehicle, automotive, aerospace, or a similar regulated R&D environment.
Direct experience with development testing, vehicle validation, or field testing is highly desirable.
Understanding of safety management systems and functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262).
Experience with generative AI tools for content creation and learning personalization.
Knowledge of gamification strategies and game design principles for technical learning.
Experience with advanced branching scenario development for complex decision-making training.
Familiarity with learning analytics and data visualization tools to inform instructional strategy.
Professional certifications in instructional design (ATD, ISPI, or similar)
Experience with emerging technologies including:
Generative AI tools for content creation and learning personalization
Game design principles and gamification strategies
Advanced branching scenario development
AI-powered voice synthesis tools (WellSaid Labs or similar)
Knowledge of learning analytics and data visualization tools
Advanced Skills & Certifications
Professional certifications in instructional design (ATD, ISPI, or similar)
Experience with emerging technologies including:
Generative AI tools for content creation and learning personalization
Game design principles and gamification strategies
Advanced branching scenario development
AI-powered voice synthesis tools (WellSaid Labs or similar)
Knowledge of learning analytics and data visualization tools

Responsibilities

Design and develop comprehensive training programs for technical, operational, and frontline audiences involved in AV development, testing, and field operations.
Apply instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM) and adult learning principles to create engaging learning experiences focused on AV safety protocols, complex hardware and software systems, and on-the-road testing procedures.
Conduct thorough needs analyses with R&D engineers, test managers, and subject matter experts to inform design decisions and address specific performance gaps.
Develop learning objectives tied to measurable behavioral outcomes and key performance indicators (KPIs) for testing and operational efficiency.
Create compelling multimedia learning content for technical training, including interactive scenarios and simulations of real-world AV challenges.
Collaborate with engineers to transform complex technical data, such as sensor outputs and perception algorithms, into accessible and clear learning materials.
Design and produce training for software and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.
Ensure all content meets accessibility standards and aligns with our brand and safety guidelines.
Design and implement in-vehicle or closed-course pilot testing protocols for new training programs to validate effectiveness in a real-world environment.
Analyze learning data, telemetry, and driver/operator performance metrics to continuously optimize instructional strategies.
Conduct learning effectiveness research using quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure training drives desired behavioral outcomes and enhances safety.
Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in learning science and AV development to innovate training solutions.
Manage multiple instructional design projects simultaneously, adhering to project timelines and quality standards.
Partner with cross-functional teams including AV Software & Hardware Engineering, Test Operations, Safety, and Legal departments.
Present design concepts and learning solutions to senior leadership and technical stakeholders, leading iterative design processes based on feedback and performance data.