Instructional Systems Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Systems Design Manager

Company: Oceaneering

Location: Hanover, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Revenue Operations / Sales Operations / GTM Strategy (This role is being contextualized within operations due to its focus on process, stakeholder management, and performance improvement, though it's primarily in Learning & Development)

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manages the design, development, and evaluation of complex learning solutions, aligning with organizational objectives and performance metrics.

• Leads cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure training programs meet mission-specific and regulatory compliance requirements, impacting operational efficiency.

• Applies adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of training content.

• Oversees project lifecycles for training development, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards, akin to project management in operations.

• Facilitates collaboration between Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), government stakeholders, and internal teams to gather requirements and ensure content accuracy and relevance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled Instructional Systems Design Manager and falls under Learning & Development, it shares significant overlap with operations functions. The emphasis on stakeholder management, process adherence, project oversight, and performance improvement via structured learning solutions makes it relevant to individuals in Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, and GTM roles who manage complex processes, drive adoption of new strategies, and measure impact. The "government audiences" aspect suggests a need for rigorous process adherence and compliance, similar to regulated industries within operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of instructional materials, including e-learning modules, instructor-led training (ILT), job aids, and performance support tools.

• Collaborate with project teams, government stakeholders, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to define learning objectives, conduct needs assessments, and gather content requirements.

• Manage and mentor a team of instructional designers, providing guidance on instructional design methodologies, project management, and quality assurance.

• Oversee the implementation and evaluation of training programs, utilizing feedback and performance data to drive continuous improvement and measure impact.

• Ensure all training content adheres to relevant regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry best practices, particularly within government and defense contexts.

• Apply advanced instructional design models such as ADDIE, PADDIE+M, or SATE, and leverage appropriate authoring tools and technologies for content creation.

• Manage training development projects, including scope definition, resource allocation, timeline management, and budget oversight, potentially utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.

• Facilitate workshops and meetings with stakeholders to review training designs, gather feedback, and gain buy-in for proposed learning solutions.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in instructional design, adult learning, and educational technology to innovate and enhance learning offerings.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the organization's learning technology infrastructure, including Learning Management Systems (LMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a strong project management component, akin to managing operational initiatives. The need to "measure impact" and "drive continuous improvement" directly aligns with operational KPIs and the iterative nature of operations management. The mention of specific methodologies like ADDIE and SATE, and tools like Articulate Storyline 360 and Adobe Captivate, are crucial for candidates to understand the technical demands.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Adult Learning, Human Performance Technology, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in instructional systems design, with a significant focus on developing training for federal, state, or military audiences.

• 1 to 3 years of experience in a team lead or management role, demonstrating the ability to guide and mentor design professionals.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, PADDIE+M, SATE).

• Proficiency with industry-standard authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate, or similar.

• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse groups including SMEs and government representatives.

• Experience in needs assessment, curriculum development, and learning evaluation strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Learning Management System (LMS) administration and reporting.

• Familiarity with multimedia development tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite for graphics and video editing).

• Knowledge of government contracting processes and compliance requirements.

• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) for project financial tracking.

• Familiarity with SATE (Systems Approach to Training and Education) methodology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Secret security clearance is a critical filter for candidates applying for roles involving government contracts. The emphasis on methodologies like ADDIE and SATE, and tools like Articulate Storyline, are standard expectations for experienced instructional designers and should be highlighted for applicants. The experience with government audiences is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of end-to-end instructional design projects, showcasing the application of methodologies like ADDIE or PADDIE+M.

• Examples of diverse learning solutions developed, including e-learning modules, instructor-led materials, and job aids, tailored for complex audiences.

• Case studies detailing the needs assessment process, objective setting, content development, and evaluation methods used.

• Evidence of managing project scope, timelines, and resource constraints effectively within development cycles.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of documented instructional design processes, including workflow diagrams for needs analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE phases).

• Showcases of how processes were adapted or optimized to meet specific project requirements or overcome development challenges.

• Demonstrations of how quality assurance and review cycles were integrated into the development process to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

• Documentation of how learning technologies and tools were leveraged to streamline development or enhance the learning experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: For roles involving structured development and stakeholder approval, a well-documented portfolio that clearly outlines the process followed is crucial. This mirrors the need for process documentation in operations roles to ensure consistency and scalability. Highlighting the ROI or impact of training is directly analogous to demonstrating the ROI of operational initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry research for Instructional Systems Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Hanover, MD area, and considering the government contracting context, the estimated salary range is $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and the security clearance requirement. Market data from sources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary for similar roles in the region were used, adjusted for the specific experience level and industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Life and disability insurance.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Hanover, MD location.

• Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or accommodate stakeholder availability, particularly with government clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. The benefits listed are typical for a company of Oceaneering's size and industry. The "on-site" requirement is a key factor in the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Technologies (AdTech), Energy, Maritime Services, Government Services. Oceaneering operates in highly technical and often regulated sectors, demanding precision, safety, and compliance.

Company Size: Oceaneering is a large, global enterprise with thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes.

Founded: 1964. With a long history, Oceaneering has a deep-rooted culture of innovation, problem-solving, and commitment to safety and ethics.

Team Structure:

• The Instructional Systems Design Manager likely leads a dedicated team of instructional designers and potentially multimedia specialists within the AdTech division or a broader Learning & Development function.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Director or VP of Training, L&D, or Human Resources, with close collaboration with project managers, engineering leads, and government program managers.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While not explicitly stated for this role, Oceaneering's industry implies a strong reliance on data for decision-making, particularly in engineering and operations. This role will likely use training evaluation data to inform design improvements.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Designing and managing complex training development projects necessitates robust workflow planning and continuous optimization to ensure efficiency and quality.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Leveraging authoring tools and LMS functionalities to automate aspects of content delivery, tracking, and reporting is expected.

Company Website: https://www.oceaneering.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Oceaneering's background in challenging environments (underwater, space) suggests a culture that values resilience, technical expertise, and a systematic approach to problem-solving. The AdTech division specifically points to a focus on advanced technologies and stringent quality standards, which will influence the training development process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a management level within the Learning & Development function, with responsibilities extending beyond individual contribution to team leadership and strategic project oversight. It requires a blend of technical instructional design expertise and managerial acumen.

Reporting Structure: The manager will likely report to a senior leader within L&D or a related department, overseeing a team of designers. This position acts as a crucial link between the operational needs of government programs and the development of effective learning solutions.

Operations Impact: While not direct revenue generation, effective training directly impacts operational efficiency, safety, compliance, and the successful execution of complex government contracts. This role's output influences workforce performance, which is a critical operational lever for Oceaneering.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Manager or Director of Learning & Development, overseeing broader training strategies and initiatives.

• Specialization in specific areas of instructional design, such as advanced simulation design, gamification, or learning analytics.

• Transition into program management roles within AdTech or other divisions, leveraging project leadership experience.

• Opportunities to lead strategic L&D projects that align with evolving business needs and technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for an Instructional Systems Design Manager can lead into broader organizational development, program management, or senior leadership roles, especially within large, complex organizations like Oceaneering. The impact is indirect but significant, contributing to workforce capability and operational success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment within Oceaneering's facilities in Hanover, MD. This setting is conducive to collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Hanover, Maryland, provides access to a significant hub for government contractors and defense industries, with proximity to major federal agencies and military installations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a professional office setting equipped with standard office technology.

• Access to specialized software for instructional design (Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate) and potentially multimedia development tools will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, SMEs, and project stakeholders will be frequent, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the expectation of being present on-site during core business hours.

• While core hours are standard, flexibility may be necessary to accommodate project timelines, client needs, and team collaboration, especially when working with government stakeholders whose schedules may differ.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a critical aspect of this role, necessitating local candidates or those willing to relocate. The work environment will likely be professional, structured, and security-conscious due to the government contracting nature of Oceaneering's AdTech division.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your instructional design philosophy, leadership style, project management approach, and experience with government audiences.

• Team/SME Interview: Interviews with potential team members and key Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to evaluate technical skills, collaborative abilities, and cultural fit. This stage may include a deep dive into specific design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates are asked to present a selection of their work, explaining their process, design choices, and the impact of their projects. Be prepared to discuss challenges and solutions.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership or HR to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in instructional design, leadership, and experience with government/complex audiences.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the needs assessment, design strategy, development process, and evaluation methods. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify the effectiveness of your training solutions whenever possible (e.g., improved performance metrics, reduced errors, increased compliance).

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples where you led a team, managed a project, or influenced stakeholders.

• Tailor to Oceaneering: If possible, subtly tailor your examples to align with Oceaneering's industry (Aerospace, Defense, Energy) and highlight any experience with similar environments or technical content.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a potential design challenge or case study, either as a pre-interview assignment or during the interview process. This might involve outlining a training solution for a given scenario or critiquing an existing piece of training.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a new training requirement, including defining objectives, selecting appropriate modalities, and planning for evaluation.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if explaining it to a stakeholder who may not be an instructional design expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should be prepared to not only show their work but also to articulate the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions, mirroring how operations professionals present strategic initiatives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Authoring Tools: Articulate Storyline 360 (highly probable), Adobe Captivate, Lectora, or similar e-learning development software.

• Multimedia Tools: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects) for graphics, video editing, and animation.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), potentially Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other project collaboration platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Administration: Experience with administering and reporting from Learning Management Systems (e.g., Cornerstone OnDemand, SAP SuccessFactors, Moodle, or proprietary government systems).

• Evaluation Tools: Survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics) for gathering feedback and Kirkpatrick-level evaluation data.

• Data Analysis: Basic to intermediate Excel skills for analyzing training data; familiarity with data visualization tools may be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how training impacts sales or customer-facing operations might be beneficial.

• Automation within the context of L&D would primarily involve leveraging LMS features for course deployment, tracking, and reporting, and potentially using authoring tools to automate content updates or branching scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specific authoring tools like Articulate Storyline 360 is almost certainly a requirement. Experience with LMS administration and data analysis for training effectiveness is crucial, akin to performance metric tracking in operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Precision: A commitment to high-quality, accurate, and effective learning solutions, mirroring the precision required in engineering and defense operations.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding strong ethical standards and transparent practices, essential when working with government contracts and sensitive information.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where individuals work together to achieve common goals, crucial for complex project delivery.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methodologies to enhance learning experiences and operational effectiveness.

• Safety & Compliance: Prioritizing safety and adherence to all regulatory requirements in all aspects of work, a non-negotiable in Oceaneering's operating sectors.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with diverse teams (engineering, program management, government liaisons) to ensure training is relevant and aligned with operational needs.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Encouraging constructive feedback loops for instructional design processes and content to drive iterative improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices in instructional design and adult learning are shared among team members and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a rigorous, professional, and collaborative approach, which is typical for organizations operating in high-stakes industries like aerospace and defense. This translates into a work environment that values meticulous planning and execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing expectations and requirements from multiple groups, including internal project teams, government officials, and SMEs with varying levels of technical expertise and priorities.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new instructional design tools, learning technologies, and pedagogical approaches to ensure training remains relevant and effective.

• Measuring Training Impact: Developing robust evaluation strategies to demonstrate the ROI and effectiveness of training programs in tangible business outcomes, which can be challenging in complex government projects.

• Navigating Government Requirements: Understanding and adhering to specific government regulations, security protocols, and contracting nuances that impact training development and delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Instructional Design Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in areas like learning analytics, gamification, or human performance technology.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in management training to further hone leadership, strategic planning, and team-building skills.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending events focused on learning technologies, government training, or specific industries served by Oceaneering to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Oceaneering or to mentor junior instructional designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for leadership roles in complex, regulated industries. The growth opportunities are framed to enhance both technical instructional design expertise and overall leadership capabilities within an operations-focused context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a training needs assessment for a new government program. What key stakeholders would you involve, and what information would you prioritize?" (Focus on structured analysis and stakeholder engagement).

• "How do you ensure that learning solutions are not only instructionally sound but also meet stringent regulatory and compliance requirements for government clients?" (Highlight process adherence and compliance focus).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Oceaneering and our work in the Aerospace and Defense Technologies sector, and how does that inform your approach to instructional design?" (Research Oceaneering's mission and AdTech division).

• "How would you foster a collaborative environment between your instructional design team, technical SMEs, and government program managers?" (Emphasize communication and relationship-building skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story: Problem/Need -> Your Solution/Process -> Results/Impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if you led the project or team.

• Visualize Data: Use charts or graphs to illustrate any quantitative results or improvements achieved through your training.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would adapt your approach for different scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe for a systematic, process-driven approach to instructional design, mirroring operational methodologies. Candidates should be adept at discussing their methodologies, stakeholder management, and the impact of their work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Instructional Systems Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Oceaneering careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with government audiences, specific instructional design methodologies (ADDIE, PADDIE+M, SATE), authoring tools (Articulate Storyline 360), and leadership responsibilities. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work that demonstrates your instructional design process, leadership capabilities, and experience with complex projects. Ensure it can be easily shared or presented.

• Research Oceaneering: Familiarize yourself with Oceaneering's mission, values, and specific work within the Aerospace and Defense Technologies division to articulate your understanding and interest during interviews.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and discussing your design process, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to instructional design, leadership, and government contracting.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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