Freelance Performance Engineering Jobs in Cleveland, OH

Description
Responsible for leading the daily operations and performance of the multimedia team and ensuring the development of high-quality visuals, animations, video, and interactive media for eLearning, virtual reality, and other learning products. This role provides creative and technical direction, establishes multimedia standards, guides visual strategy, and supports employee development and performance.
The position applies advanced multimedia design expertise, project management, coaching, and broad knowledge of digital media production and emerging technologies to elevate product quality and learner engagement, expand team capabilities, improve tools and production processes, and advance the multimedia function in support of current and future learning products.
MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

• Leads the multimedia team responsible for creating illustrations, animations, video, and interactive media for eLearning and other training products.
• Provides creative and technical direction on projects, including defining visual approaches, setting standards, and guiding asset development.
• Sets and manages project timelines across multiple team members and projects.
• Tracks and evaluates multimedia production metrics to support continuous improvement.
• Partners with leadership to align multimedia development with product strategy, priorities, and customer needs.
• Builds, manages, and develops a high-performing team through talent acquisition, employee development, succession planning, and retention.
• Provides leadership through goal setting, coaching, performance management, workforce planning, and individual and team development to ensure successful execution of team objectives.
• Establishes and maintains multimedia standards, style guides, and scalable asset management systems, including file structures and asset libraries.
• Ensures multimedia assets align with instructional intent, enhances learner engagement, and supports inclusive learning experiences.
• Evaluates, implements, and optimizes multimedia tools, technologies, and emerging solutions to improve production efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoots technical and production challenges and provides guidance to the team.
• Sources and manages freelancers and contractors.
• Collaborates with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), staff, and industry partners to ensure technical accuracy and effective visual communication.
• Represents Tooling U-SME during meetings with prospective customers, trade shows, conferences, and other public events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
MINIMUM EDUCATION, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Design, Digital Media, Visual Communication, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in multimedia design, animation, or digital media development, including experience providing creative or technical direction.
• At least two (2) years of experience supervising employees or providing formal team leadership, including responsibility for work direction, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Strong understanding of visual design principles, animation, and interactive media.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D development tools, including Cinema 4D.
• Demonstrated portfolio of relevant multimedia design, animation, and digital media work required.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and balance projects across multiple team members.
• Experience using collaborative project management tools and software to monitor and organize workflows.
• Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams, external customers and industry partners.
• Strong understanding of asset management, file structures, and production workflows.
• Ability to think strategically and anticipate future trends, tools, and technologies in multimedia development.
• Knowledge of intellectual property, copyright, and principles governing digital media creation.
• Experience developing content in a training, manufacturing, engineering, or technical environment preferred.

KEY COMPETENCIES:
Core Competencies:

• Communication and Collaboration
• Relationship Management
• Professionalism and Integrity
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
• Execution
• Initiative, Leadership, and Development

Leadership Competencies:

• Leadership and Vision
• Talent Management and Development
• Change Leadership

Job Competencies:

• Multimedia Design and Production Expertise
• Creative Direction and Visual Strategy
• Animation, Video, and Interactive Media Development
• Multimedia Quality Standards and Asset Governance
• Production Workflow and Resource Management
• Technology Evaluation and Process Improvement
• Instructional Media and Learning Experience Alignment
• Customer-Focused Multimedia Solutions

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office environment
• Regular, in-person attendance as required
• Primary office location: Cleveland, OH
• Some travel required - at least 10%
• Exposure to manufacturing customer production environments, which may include noise, machinery, and varying temperatures
• Frequent walking on shop floors and standing for extended periods
• Must adhere to all client safety protocols, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, ear protection, and steel-toed shoes, as required on-site