Instructional Designer (Secret clearance required)

Description

Security Clearance: Active Secret clearance required

Travel Requirement: up to 50% 

Citizenship: US Citizenship required 

We are seeking two highly analytical Instructional Designers (one Senior and one Mid-level) to join our collaborative team in developing engaging learning experiences for complex technical products. In this role, you will not just build content—you will architect learning experiences. You will be responsible for conducting deep, foundational root-cause analysis to uncover true training needs. You will translate those findings into design requirements and instructional strategies and then bring them to life through storyboarding. The ideal candidate has a rare ability to see the "connective tissue" between a raw data point in analysis and a specific interaction on a storyboarded screen, ensuring every learning asset directly drives performance and Warfighter readiness. 

In this role, you’ll partner with our technical writing, customer support, and engineering teams to create high-quality instructional content, delivering training and professional development for Sherpa 6 employees and our Department of War partners. If you have a passion for learning design, excellent communication skills, and enjoy making challenging material accessible, we would love to hear from you! 

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with instructional design team, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to implement instructional strategies supporting diverse adult learners by translating complex technical information into accessible learning content 
• Have a demonstrated ability to conduct task analysis using the SAT method, and the ability to identify performance gaps, target audience characteristics, and environmental constraints 
• Can derive concrete design requirements directly from analysis data and apply adult learning theories (Knowles, Gagné) to shape instructional strategies 
• Strong communications skills and adept at presenting and collaborating with team and stakeholders 
• Create detailed storyboards for a variety of learning experiences (video, computer-based training) that communicate the visual user experience including scripts, on-screen text, and interactive elements 
• Maintain connection from analysis results, to learning objectives, to training content, to learner readiness to perform in the operational environment 
• Can develop training materials using sound instructional design methods, including presentations, instructor and participant guides, classroom activities, and scenario-based exercises 
• Use scenario-based training and problem-based learning approaches to promote critical thinking and decision making in learners 
• Are skilled in learning analytics or assessment strategy designed to measure and improve the impact of training 
• Perform quality assurance reviews, content updates, and continuous improvement based on learner and team feedback 
• Are skilled in conducting interviews with subject matter experts to identify training needs 
• Understand how to review materials for instructional quality and soundness 
• Manage multiple concurrent projects using agile or iterative project management methodologies 

You get bonus points if you:  

• Have developed training programs for intelligence, military, or classified environments, especially with knowledge of security protocols or sensitive content requirements 
• Are familiar with DOW and federal government training environments, including relevant compliance standards, culture, and practices 
• Bring knowledge of Section 508 accessibility requirements or other standards for accessible and inclusive training 
• Have experience creating immersive learning experiences with emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or simulations 
• Have experience with collaboration tools (Jira, SharePoint, MS Office) 
• Can implement and track xAPI generated data analytics using courseware authoring tools (Articulate Storyline) and Learning Management System (Cornerstone) 
• Solid experience using Articulate 360 
• Expert-level skills in PowerPoint and the use of master slides conforming to design standards 
• Expert-level skills in Word and the use of styles conforming to design standards 
• Have used AI to design content rapidly while?maintaining?instructional integrity? 

We know you have what it takes if you have:  

• Exceptional research, analytical, and critical thinking skills 
• High attention to detail and organizational expertise 
• Ability to quickly grasp complex technical concepts and translate them into clear, engaging instructional materials 
• Proven experience leading process mapping and documentation initiatives to support program launch, scalability, and ongoing improvement 
• Have experience developing interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) and interactive eLearning solutions using courseware authoring tools, specifically Articulate 360 
• Have a proven track record using the ADDIE, SAT, and SAM models  
• Demonstrate the use of AI to explore productivity and efficiency gains  

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Instructional Design or related field plus three or more years working in an Instructional Design role with responsibility for end-to-end creation of instructor-led and/or eLearning materials 

--or -- 

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design or related field plus five or more years working in an Instructional Design role with responsibility for end-to-end creation of instructor-led and/or eLearning materials 
• Subject matter expert in Microsoft Office applications 
• Comfortable with written communication and documentation  
• Self-starter with the ability to dive in with minimal direction  
• Flexible, with experience working in a fast-paced environment  
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills  
• Proficiency with courseware authoring tools such as Articulate 360  
• Must possess an active Secret Security Clearance  

About Sherpa 6:

At Sherpa 6 we love to solve problems and provide the best solutions for our customers. Our approach to a problem is to find a user-focused and design-driven solution that is simple yet functional and effective. We are a group of enthusiastic forward-thinkers who are excited to build amazing solutions with bleeding-edge technology. We hire people who are forward thinkers, passionate about what they do, love to collaborate and want to constantly learn. We enjoy what we do and we're not afraid to put the extra effort in to accomplish the mission; call us Sherpas. As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, we know what it means to serve. We have made it our mission to be the leaders in solutions that protect and give our Warfighters the edge they need when put into harm's way.  

About Sherpa 6:

At Sherpa 6 we love to solve problems and provide the best solutions for our customers. Our approach to a problem is to find a user-focused and design-driven solution that is simple yet functional and effective. We are a group of enthusiastic forward-thinkers who are excited to build amazing solutions with bleeding-edge technology. We hire people who are forward thinkers, passionate about what they do, love to collaborate and want to constantly learn. We enjoy what we do and we're not afraid to put the extra effort in to accomplish the mission; call us Sherpas. As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, we know what it means to serve. We have made it our mission to be the leaders in solutions that protect and give our Warfighters the edge they need when put into harm's way.

Background Screening/Check/Investigation:

Successful completion of a background screening/check/investigation will/may be required as a condition of hire.

ADA:

Sherpa 6 will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO/AA:

Sherpa 6 does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services and is an equal access/opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive benefits package, covering the cost of medical for you and your family; we also offer dental, vision, health and wellness benefits and a generous retirement savings plan. We believe that our employees can manage their workload and their personal life, therefore we extend a generous PTO policy. This allows our employees to balance their lives as they see fit.

Salary Range:

The proposed salary range is reflective across all Sherpa 6 locations, years of experience and skill levels. Salary negotiations will be based on a host of factors including but not limited to your geographic location, prior experience, relevant skills, education, and certifications.