Instructional Systems Design Engineer, Expert

About the role

The Instructional Systems Design Engineer at Ibility owns the full lifecycle of high-impact training solutions for government clients, acting as the primary architect of learning strategy and execution. This role is responsible for conducting sophisticated instructional systems design studies that translate complex government challenges into effective, human-centered learning experiences. The position leads the development of innovative training products and programs that directly support mission success by improving employee capability and customer delight. You will mentor and guide a team of instructional designers, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. The role requires deep expertise in evaluating and implementing training solutions that leverage the latest learning science and technology. You will be a strategic thought partner to government leaders, ensuring that all training initiatives are tightly aligned with organizational objectives and user needs. This position drives the refinement of standards and processes to ensure Ibility's deliverables remain at the forefront of the industry.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct comprehensive analyses of complex instructional design challenges and opportunities, translating ambiguous requirements into actionable strategies.
• Architect and oversee systematic instructional systems design processes, from assessment through evaluation, ensuring solutions meet formal delivery standards.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a diverse team of instructional designers, cultivating an environment that encourages innovation and high performance.
• Engineer curriculum and training products using robust design processes that guarantee exceptional user experiences and measurable learning outcomes.
• Champion and refine enterprise-wide curriculum standards, embedding best practices from learning science and instructional design theory.
• Synthesize and integrate continuous feedback from field staff and stakeholders to iteratively improve the relevance and effectiveness of training offerings.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement optimal instructional strategies and delivery modalities, including instructor-led, eLearning, virtual, and blended solutions.
• Author detailed project-level training needs assessments, gap analyses, evaluation frameworks, and curriculum maps that inform strategic decision-making.
• Serve as the definitive quality assurance reviewer for all instructional design deliverables, ensuring strict compliance with contract terms and accessibility mandates.
• Decode and convey intricate instructional design concepts to multidisciplinary audiences, including executive sponsors and technical specialists.
• Partner with technology teams to ensure that training solutions are fully compatible with learning management systems and authoring platforms.
• Identify and mitigate risks within the instructional design process, proactively managing timelines and deliverables.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration, aligning training initiatives with broader program goals and government regulations.
• Explore and pilot emerging learning technologies and methodologies to maintain Ibility's competitive edge in the marketplace.
• Document all design decisions and rationales to ensure institutional knowledge and replicable processes.

Requirements

• Possess a Doctorate Degree in Instructional Systems Design, Instructional Technology, Adult Education, Educational Technology, or a closely related specialized field.
• Demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of cumulative experience in instructional systems design, curriculum development, or training program management.
• Provide evidence of leading and managing teams of instructional designers within the context of government or similarly complex organizational structures.
• Exhibit expert-level proficiency in major instructional systems design models, including but not limited to ADDIE, SAM, and Agile ISD methodologies.
• Apply adult learning theory principles rigorously to the design of all training solutions and educational interventions.
• Show advanced experience in developing and delivering multi-modal training solutions, such as instructor-led training (ILT), eLearning, virtual instructor-led training (vILT), and blended learning formats.
• Demonstrate mastery of eLearning authoring tools and Learning Management Systems, with a proven track record of producing high-quality digital content.
• Bring specialized experience developing training for complex health IT systems and enterprise software within federal or healthcare-centric environments.
• Show thorough familiarity with Section 508 accessibility requirements and the practical application of these standards to all training materials and deliverables.
• Exercise strong project management capabilities, successfully leading multiple concurrent projects and intricate deliverable streams under strict deadline pressure.
• Possess excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to articulate complex concepts to executive-level audiences.
• Maintain a commitment to producing high-quality work that adheres to strict standards of accuracy, clarity, and professionalism.
• Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, demonstrating adaptability and resilience when managing competing priorities.
• Collaborate effectively with remote and in-person team members, contributing to a positive and inclusive team culture.

Nice to have

• Bring prior experience working directly with the Veterans Health Administration or analogous federal health agencies such as CDC, CMS, DHA, or HHS.
• Hold an active security clearance or possess the ability to obtain and maintain one in accordance with government standards.
• Earn the Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) credential from the International Society for Performance Improvement or a comparable professional certification.
• Have practical experience implementing training programs within an Agile or SAFe framework, demonstrating alignment with iterative delivery methods.