Instructional Designer

Overview

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most recognizable mission critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company’s capabilities include electrical power systems, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audio visual, and IT systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia and employs more than 9,000 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.  At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries. 

Position Summary

The Instructional Designer designs, develops, and maintains high-quality learning solutions that support M.C. Dean’s technical, operational, and leadership development needs. This role translates complex subject matter and business requirements into practical, engaging, and measurable learning experiences delivered through eLearning, instructor-led training, blended learning, and on-the-job training. Working with subject matter experts, business unit leaders, and the Content Development Manager, the Instructional Designer develops scalable learning products aligned to instructional design standards, career-framework competencies, and workforce performance requirements.

Responsibilities

Core Expectations

• This role requires initiative, independent judgment, accountability, and a commitment to practical, measurable improvements. Key expectations include:
• Independently manages assigned projects from analysis through development, testing, and delivery.
• Translates complex technical or operational information into clear, accurate learning experiences.
• Proactively identifies instructional gaps and recommends appropriate solutions.
• Builds productive SME and stakeholder relationships to validate accuracy and maintain momentum.
• Applies established standards while improving quality, efficiency, and learner engagement.
• Takes accountability for quality, timelines, and timely resolution of feedback.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Instructional Design and Development: Design eLearning, instructor-led, blended, job aids, assessments, and other materials using adult learning principles.
• Learning Needs Analysis: Work with SMEs and stakeholders to identify performance gaps, objectives, learner needs, and instructional solutions.
• Curriculum Development: Translate technical, operational, and leadership content into structured learning experiences that build job-specific competencies.
• Career Framework Alignment: Develop learning products aligned to approved pathways, competency requirements, and development needs.
• Technical Content Development: Collaborate with SMEs on field operations, manufacturing, engineering, commissioning, safety-related processes, and other disciplines.
• Leadership Development Content: Design facilitator guides, participant resources, case studies, and activities for leadership programs.
• SME Knowledge Conversion: Transform SME-led training, presentations, procedures, and pilots into standardized, repeatable products.
• Assessment Development: Create knowledge checks, practical assessments, proficiency evaluations, and tools to validate competency.
• On-the-Job Learning: Develop OJT guides, task checklists, observation tools, and supervisor resources.
• Content Quality Assurance: Apply templates, accessibility and editorial standards, and quality reviews; incorporate feedback before publishing.
• Learning Technology Coordination: Develop content using approved tools and prepare materials for technical review, packaging, and publication by Learning Technology.
• Project Management: Manage schedules, SME reviews, status communication, and risks affecting delivery.
• Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Review learner feedback, assessment results, and performance data to improve content.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No direct supervisory responsibilities. May provide project guidance, peer reviews, or support to other instructional designers and external development resources as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or learning content development.
• Experience designing instructor-led, eLearning, and blended learning solutions.
• Experience using instructional design methodologies and adult learning principles to create measurable outcomes.
• Proficiency with authoring tools such as Articulate 360, Storyline, Rise, Vyond, or comparable applications.
• Graphic design experience preferred, including the ability to apply visual design principles, typography, layout, and multimedia elements to create engaging, professional learning materials across digital and instructor-led formats.
• Experience developing complex or technical information with SMEs.
• Experience developing assessments, facilitator guides, job aids, and instructional resources.
• Experience with technical, engineering, construction, manufacturing, or operational workforces preferred.
• Familiarity with LMS platforms and SCORM/xAPI preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong instructional design, adult learning, and assessment knowledge.
• Ability to simplify technical information without compromising accuracy.
• Strong writing, editing, visual design, and organization skills.
• Proficiency with digital authoring, multimedia, and Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to incorporate feedback and apply quality standards.
• Working knowledge of accessibility and digital learning best practices.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Office-based position with occasional travel to manufacturing facilities, project sites, training locations, and other business unit operations for needs analysis, SME collaboration, and observations. Field site safety requirements apply.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:

• A competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Military Reserve pay offset
• Paid maternity leave

Abilities:

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range

USD $78,320.00 - USD $97,900.00 /Yr.