Instructional Designer

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$133,950 - $164,028 Annually for the H04.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have multiple openings for Instructional Designers. You will use various complex and sophisticated instructional design theories and analysis techniques for adult learners to develop new (full lifecycle) or revise existing courses and advanced computer-assisted learning systems using a systematic approach to training development and will use the latest web-development and graphic arts tools to leverage technology and keep the Laboratory's training on par with industry trends. This position is in the Safety Education & Training Office within the Environment, Safety & Health (ES&H) Directorate.

These positions may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

You Will

• Define, develop, plan, implement, revise, and maintain the ES&H learning systems suite of courses by applying learning assessment Levels 1–2 in accordance with Department of Energy (DOE) Orders. Identify high-impact courses where Levels 3–4 evaluations can be applied to measure training effectiveness, develop a data collection plan, and analyze results to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) and key stakeholders to gather, refine, make recommendations, and structure course content. Ensure that materials—including course goals, objectives, text, scripts, graphics, video, audio, test questions, instructor guides, and participant materials—are designed to optimize learner engagement and align with adult learning principles.
• Write course narration scripts, scenarios and simulation for course content using a systematic approach to training. Ensure proper synchronization of narration audio files with course materials.
• Monitor changes and oversee strategies involved with ES&H procedures, policies, lessons-learned and audit findings for impact and incorporation into training materials in collaboration with ES&H Functional Area Managers (FAMs) and SMEs.
• Lead annual reviews to ensure the appropriate instructional strategies were applied in the development of course content and to determine if DOE Orders have changed that may impact existing courses by consulting with ES&H FAMs and SMEs.
• Align institutional training with organization strategies and/or regulatory requirements and determining training needs that have an institutional impact.
• Utilize course development software to design and develop web-based courses, ensuring successful course publishing and delivery under established schedules.
• Identify, research, evaluate and recommend computer-assisted training solutions for site-specific design and coordination of technical training materials needed to satisfy customers or required by OSHA, applicable DOE Orders, and other agencies. This includes developing site-specific technical training materials and adapting DOE Contractor community generated training materials for use at LLNL.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in educational/instructional design field, computer information systems or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Significant experience interpreting, applying, and ensuring compliance with safety policies, procedures (which may include DOE Orders), and other relevant regulatory standards to maintain ES&H accountability and alignment with industry best practices.
• Extensive expertise in complex and sophisticated instructional design, leveraging technology models and adult learning theory to create engaging and effective training programs—particularly in developing instructor-led, web-based, and on-the-job training through comprehensive target audience analysis, needs assessments, and curriculum development.
• Extensive experience integrating simulations, interactivity, hypermedia, and tutorials into training applications to enhance learner engagement and knowledge retention.
• Proficient in web-based course development software (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Articulate), with a strong ability to integrate creative writing and storytelling to develop engaging learning interactions.
• Significant background in video project management, including video acquisition techniques and digital editing (e.g., Final Cut Pro), as well as the use of photographic and video equipment for multimedia production.
• Advanced verbal and written communication, interpersonal, facilitation and collaboration skills necessary to effectively write, present, explain, advise, and communicate complex information to all levels of personnel under consultative direction that allows for significant latitude.
• Advanced organizational skills with detail orientation necessary to handle multiple complex tasks in a demanding environment with conflicting priorities, tight and changing deadlines, and frequent interruptions while providing high-level customer service and good follow-through.
• Significant experience leading large scale training projects while working independently and in a team environment with a broad cross-section of people and organizations, managing complex projects, and meeting schedules.
• Advanced analytical, decision-making, critical-thinking and project management/consulting skills in instructional design relates to leading annual reviews of training programs to ensure course content is aligned with regulatory requirements and performing structured job task analyses.
• Advanced knowledge of managing learning development projects from inception to delivery which focuses on the integration of adult learning and performance improvement principles into complex instructional design.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced graphic design skills with the ability to create job aids, infographics, and performance support tools that enhance workplace performance, incorporating Human Performance Improvement (HPI) principles to design solutions beyond traditional training.
• Demonstrated audio/video/photography skills.
• Experience with three or more of the following software packages: Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Articulate Engage, Presenter, Storyline, Quizmaker, Video Encoder, Captivate, Camtasia, or Dreamweaver.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.