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Instructional System Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instructional System Designer Responsibilities * Provide educational expertise in the creation of multimedia, graphics, or media projects in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SME), Project ...

OverviewJST is currently seeking an Instructional System Designer to support our team. This is a full-time position at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH. JST offers a full benefit package, a ...

Bestica is hiring an Instructor System Designer to provide services at Wright Patterson AFB located ... Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing training ...

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Instructional System Designer information

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How much do instructional system designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for instructional system designer in the United States is $43.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $50.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Instructional System Designer vs Instructional Designer?

AspectInstructional System DesignerInstructional Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; certifications like CPT or ATDBachelor's or Master's in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; certifications like CPT or ATD
Work EnvironmentCorporate, government, or military training programs; e-learning developmentEducational institutions, corporate training, e-learning development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in organizations developing complex instructional systems and curriculaCommon in schools, universities, and corporate training departments

Instructional System Designers focus on developing comprehensive instructional systems, often involving analysis, design, and implementation of complex training programs. Instructional Designers typically create educational content and courses, often in simpler formats. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but Instructional System Designers usually handle more complex, system-wide projects.

What does an instructional system designer do?

An Instructional System Designer (ISD) is responsible for analyzing learning needs and creating educational programs, courses, or training materials that effectively teach specific skills or knowledge. They use instructional design models, such as ADDIE, to develop, implement, and evaluate instructional materials for a variety of settings, including corporate, academic, and government environments. Their work often involves collaborating with subject matter experts, utilizing technology, and applying best practices in adult learning to ensure that learning objectives are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instructional system designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instructional System Designer, you need expertise in instructional design principles, curriculum development, and adult learning theories, typically supported by a degree in education, instructional design, or a related field. Familiarity with e-learning authoring tools (such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), learning management systems (LMS), and sometimes relevant certifications like CPLP or ATD are important. Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills help you work effectively with subject matter experts and stakeholders. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, effective learning experiences that meet organizational objectives and learner needs.

What are some common challenges instructional system designers face when collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs)?

Instructional System Designers often work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure course content is accurate and effective. A common challenge is translating complex or highly technical information from SMEs into clear, engaging learning materials suitable for the target audience. Effective communication, patience, and the ability to ask clarifying questions are essential for bridging the gap between content expertise and instructional design best practices. Building strong relationships and setting clear expectations early can help facilitate smoother collaboration and produce better learning outcomes.
More about Instructional System Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Instructional System Designer jobs? Cities with the most Instructional System Designer job openings:
What states have the most Instructional System Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Instructional System Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Instructional System Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,151 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Instructional System Designer

JST

Dayton, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Overview
JST is currently seeking an Instructional System Designer to support our team.
This is a full-time position at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH. JST offers a full benefit package, a collaborative work environment and strong company culture. Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply.
Instructional System Designer Responsibilities
  • Provide educational expertise in the creation of multimedia, graphics, or media projects in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SME), Project/production Manager and Production Team.
  • Recommend instructional platforms, instructional media, development tools, and delivery methods to satisfy training requirements for any programs or classes assigned.
  • Add, manage, and perform testing of online courseware and complete a comprehensive report on the data gathered and offer recommendations for training improvements.
  • Create training plans and conduct or provide guidance in conducting the validation phase of the ISD process to ensure effectiveness in meeting course objectives and required proficiency levels for newly implemented courses.
  • Perform required administrative activities including correcting grammar, spelling, syntax, and formatting to accurately prepare, review, and edit written curriculum and the maintenance and updating of files and records.
  • Participate in, and support educationally related activities as required. Projects may include office continuity design, aiding the departments with online/e-learning tasks (if the project is for a course must be a collaborative effort between Curriculum Development Manager (CDM), Subject Matter Expert (SME), and Course Director) and USAFSAM specific curriculum guidance creation.
  • Apply all components of the ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) Instructional System Design model.
  • Design all training materials, including, but not limited to: effective copy, instructional text, audio scripts, and video scripts.
  • Utilize other software tools provided by the government as necessary and dictated by the Technical Advisor.
  • Attend all meetings as requested.
  • Assist in all duties specified herein, however, specific tasks may be identified by the Technical Advisor.
  • Analyze student feedback from end-of-course evaluations and field surveys to assess the effectiveness of technical inserts.
  • Provide written recommendations to the EDED Branch Chief and/or applicable USAFSAM Branch Chief and customer for improving the courseware using ISD principles.
  • Receive and clarify project requests from customer, coordinate project scope meetings, determine appropriate product(s), storyboard projects, determine content reviews with the customers, and obtain the required approvals for final course delivery.
  • Provide consultation and validation of educational content and delivery throughout all phases of USAFSAM multimedia development as requested; ensuring that products leaving USAFSAM are educationally sound.
  • Must attend and participate in training and meetings as directed by the course director or technical advisor.

Instructional System Designer Qualifications
  • Must possess a bachelor's degree in educational technology, Instructional Design, Educational Design or five (5) years applied experience in Instructional Systems Design (ISD) techniques and related discipline that includes demonstrated experience in
    two of the four:
    • Learning theory, psychology of learning, educational psychology: Study of learning
      theories as they relate to the systematic design, creation and validation of instructional material.
    • Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing
      training programs, building design strategy and models, and applying design methods to the
      improvement of instructional effectiveness.
    • Educational assessment: Study of the techniques for rating the effectiveness of
      instructional/educational programs, including creating written and performance tests and survey
      instruments, and determining reliability and validity of designed instruments.
    • Instructional product creation: Study of the techniques appropriate for creating training
      materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training
      strategy, validating training materials, and assessing training.
  • Be proficient in current technologies that are used to develop cutting edge educational materials. Their expertise should include (but not limited to) technologies such as Adobe Captivate, packaging and delivering Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) packages, gaming, 3D modeling, virtual reality and simulation.
  • Have demonstrated extensive experience in organizational skills and the ability to work independently and have strong interpersonal skills.
  • Must be proficient in filing, organizational, communication, and typing skills as well as extensive experience with the use of Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat programs.
  • Have the ability to critically think, solve problems and effectively communicate through both writing and speech.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Required Clearances and Screenings
  • MUST have an active Secret clearance
  • Must be able to pass a US Government background check

About Joint Strategic Technologies (JST)
No objective is beyond reach! Joint Strategic Technologies (JST) enables successful mission outcomes from the back office to the battlefield. Our team includes leading experts from the military, government and the private sector, all working together to help federal customers make a difference. Our goal is to Elevate the Impact that our employees have on our customers and treat every employee as a valued member of our team. JST empowers employees to make decisions and take action, thus improving overall organizational growth and employee development.
Culture isn't something you talk about. It's something you do. JST is committed to creating a positive environment 'that reaches beyond work and careers' to support every employee's professional and personal objectives. JST values the well-being of every employee and encourages healthy lifestyles, family activities and community involvement.
JST is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. JST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.