Senior Instructional Systems Designer

Overview FTI is seeking a Senior Instructional Systems Designer to support curriculum development efforts for Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) in Newport, Rhode Island.

This position develops, designs, and implements academically rigorous training materials supporting officers, enlisted engineers, and other fleet professionals. The role applies instructional design methodologies and educational best practices to ensure alignment with Navy Education and Training Command (NETC) guidance and operational fleet requirements.

Responsibilities Curriculum Development & Design

• Research, design, develop, and implement instructor-led, web-based, and multimedia training materials using digital and print platforms.
• Write, edit, and maintain technical documentation and instructional content.
• Collaborate with Fleet Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), training supervisors, instructors, curriculum developers, and graphic artists to develop instructional materials.
• Conduct training needs analysis and job task analysis to determine competency requirements and address performance gaps.
• Develop lesson plans, instructor guides, course schedules, and supporting documentation in accordance with Navy Education and Training Command Technical Manuals (NAVEDTRAs).
• Align instructional materials with measurable learning objectives and competency-based outcomes.

Assessment & Evaluation

• Develop formative and summative evaluation strategies to assess training effectiveness.
• Create and maintain valid test banks to measure learner performance.
• Apply industry-standard instructional design methodologies and adult learning theory principles.

Research & Technical Content Support

• Research Navy technical publications and authoritative references to ensure curriculum accuracy.
• Remain current with evolving instructional methodologies and best practices in technical training.
• Create and utilize graphics and multimedia tools to enhance instructional effectiveness and learner engagement.
• Explain complex technical information to non-technical audiences.

Innovation & Technology Integration

• Leverage approved Department of Defense and FTI artificial intelligence platforms in the creation, analysis, and delivery of training materials, as authorized.
• Support publication and dissemination of instructional materials as required .

Additional Duties

• Perform additional tasks supporting curriculum development efforts within the scope of the contract.

Education/Qualifications Required Qualifications

• Must be located within a commutable distance to report full-time onsite in Newport, RI.
• U.S. Citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance (active clearance highly preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Education , Instructional Systems Design, or related field; OR prior enlisted Navy SWSC ratings; OR prior Surface Warfare Officer / LDO / CWO experience; OR equivalent relevant experience and certification such as U.S. Navy Master Training Specialist (MTS).
• Demonstrated experience developing and revising training materials throughout the full instructional lifecycle.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); Adobe experience required .
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Occasional travel may be required (up to 25%).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and leading instruction in an educational or professional training environment.
• Experience designing multimedia simulations, interactive training, and/or e-learning content.
• Experience working in Learning Management Systems (LMS), including SCORM and Section 508 compliance.
• Experience with enlisted Navy N avigation , Deck and/or E ngineering ratings.
• Demonstrated understanding of adult learning theory and methodologies such as the ADDIE model.
• Technical writing and editing experience.
• Experience with multimedia authoring tools such as Storyline, Captivate, Camtasia, or Lectora .
• Familiarity with U.S. Navy course material planning and management tools such as AIM, CPM/LOM, and LEAD.