Senior Designer Jobs in California

JOB TITLE: Senior Instructional Designer, Manufacturing Training
LOCATION: Hayward, CA (Onsite)
PAY RANGE: $55 - $65/hr.
DURATION: 6 Months

Position Summary:

The client is an autonomous mobility company transforming mobility-as-a-service by developing a fully autonomous, purpose-built robotaxi designed for AI to drive and humans to enjoy, with a mission to create a better way to ride and build a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road. The company is seeking a Senior Instructional Designer to support our Manufacturing Operations training program. As we prepare for scale, you will be instrumental in building a mature training system that ensures safety, quality, and compliance across our Manufacturing teams. The ideal candidate is a master of technical translation, capable of converting dense technical documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) into engaging, competency-based learning experiences. You will design and implement a comprehensive training ecosystem that emphasizes safety, bridging the gap between virtual introductory content and practical, hands-on qualification. The subject matter spans the operation of technical machinery to the digital applications and tools of a modern manufacturing facility, and the Senior Instructional Designer should be comfortable in industrial environments as well as with technical documentation and digital tools and systems.

Responsibilities:

- Curriculum Development: Design and develop a structured curriculum for manufacturing and logistics associates, including virtual training, instructor-led training (ILT), on-the-job training (OJT), and certification frameworks.
- Content Creation: Utilize Articulate 360/Rise to create high-quality virtual training modules that adhere to instructional design best practices, such as information chunking and accessibility standards.
- Technical Translation: Partner with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Technical Writers to translate complex work instructions and technical specifications into digestible, interactive training materials. This may include guiding the technical writing team in assisting with training development, including enforcing style and content guidelines and standards.
- Assessment & Certification: Create robust, criteria-based assessments and practical qualification checklists to verify learner competency and ensure knowledge retention.
- Program Architecture: Define and standardize OJT processes and criteria, ensuring a seamless transition from virtual learning to supervised practical application.
- System Integration: Support the management and optimization of the Learning Management System (LMS) Docebo.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience: 5 to 7 years of experience in instructional design, specifically within a technical or industrial environment.
- Expertise: Proven mastery of both virtual and live training design and development, with a deep understanding of adult learning theory and interactive engagement strategies.
- Technical Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Articulate 360 (Rise/Storyline) and familiarity with managing enterprise-grade LMS platforms (Docebo). Proficiency with Google Suite and AI tools.
- Critical Skill: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex technical documentation into clear, engaging, and action-oriented training content.
- Communication: Strong collaborative skills to work across functions with SMEs, managers, and technical writers in a fast-paced, in-person factory environment.
- Ability to independently manage, organize, and develop the training program for a defined area with responsibility for high-quality content, organization, and delivery through the learning management system.
- Preferred Background: Candidates with direct experience in autonomous vehicles, high-tech manufacturing, highly regulated industries (e.g. utilities, aviation, medical device, pharmaceuticals), or automotive production are highly preferred.

Education:

- Education: Professional certificate or Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related technical field is preferred.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

- Day 1 Requirement: Safety Shoe - Composite Toe
- All safety shoes listed below must meet the following requirement:
+ Safety Shoes must conform to ASTM F 2412 (Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection) and ASTM F 2413 (Standard Specification Performance Requirements for Foot Protection)

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.

FAIR CHANCE POLICY:

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.