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Instructional Systems Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Instructional Systems Designer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

We are seeking high-performing Instructional Systems Designers (ISD) to support a client program. THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT ON CONTRACT AWARD Work Schedule and Location * On-Site Requirement ...

Instructional Systems Designer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$105K - $190K/yr

Instructional Systems Designer Shape the Future of Learning At Leidos, we solve some of the world's toughest challenges through innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Our teams deliver ...

Instructional Systems Designer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$105K - $190K/yr

Instructional Systems Designer Shape the Future of Learning At Leidos, we solve some of the world's toughest challenges through innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Our teams deliver ...

Are you a seasoned Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) with a passion for creating effective and engaging learning experiences? If so, the Intelligence Group at Leidos has an exciting opportunity ...

Are you a seasoned Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) with a passion for creating effective and engaging learning experiences? If so, the Intelligence Group at Leidos has an exciting opportunity ...

Instructional Systems Designer

Chantilly, VA ยท Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Instructional Systems Designer to join a talented training development team supporting a government client. The selected candidate will help ...

Instructional Systems Designer

Annandale, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

Are you a seasoned Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) with a passion for creating effective and engaging learning experiences? If so, the Intelligence Group at Leidos has an exciting opportunity ...

Instructional Systems Designer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Instructional Systems Designer to join a talented training development team supporting a government client. The selected candidate will help design, develop ...

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Instructional Systems Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$22

$43

$94

How much do instructional systems designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for instructional systems designer in Virginia is $43.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.37 and $50.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instructional systems designer?

Instructional Systems Designers (ISDs) are professionals who develop educational and training programs using systematic processes grounded in learning theory and instructional design models. They analyze learners' needs, define learning objectives, and design curriculum materials, activities, and assessments to ensure effective knowledge transfer. ISDs often work closely with subject matter experts and utilize various technologies to create engaging and accessible learning experiences. Their work can be found in corporate training, K-12 education, higher education, and government settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instructional systems designer?

Instructional Systems Designers need expertise in curriculum development, adult learning theory, and instructional design methodologies, usually supported by a degree in education or instructional design. Proficiency with e-learning authoring tools (such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), Learning Management Systems (LMS), and often certification like CPLP or ATD are common. Strong project management, collaboration, and communication skills help them work effectively with subject matter experts and stakeholders. These skills are crucial to creating engaging, effective learning experiences that meet organizational goals and learner needs.

What are some common challenges faced by instructional systems designers when working on large-scale training projects?

Instructional Systems Designers often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring content is both engaging and accessible to varied learner populations. Collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) can be complex, as SMEs may have limited availability or difficulty translating technical knowledge for instructional purposes. Additionally, adapting instructional strategies to fit different delivery formats (e.g., e-learning vs. instructor-led) requires flexibility and continuous communication with project teams.

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

AspectInstructional Systems DesignerInstructional Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; often certifications in ADDIE or ISD modelsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning comprehensive training systems, often for large organizations or e-learning platformsCreating individual courses or training materials, often for corporate, academic, or online settings
Employer & IndustryUsed in corporate, government, and military sectors focusing on systematic training developmentCommon across education, corporate training, and e-learning industries

Instructional Systems Designers focus on developing complete training systems and curricula, while Instructional Designers typically create specific courses or training materials. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across various industries, but the ISD role emphasizes designing entire instructional systems.

Are instructional systems designers still in demand?

Instructional Systems Designers are in demand due to the increasing need for effective training and e-learning solutions across industries. They often utilize tools like Learning Management Systems (LMS) and instructional design models such as ADDIE, with demand driven by growth in online education, corporate training, and technology integration.

Do instructional systems designers make a lot of money?

Instructional Systems Designers typically earn a median salary that is competitive within the education and training industry, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. They often work in corporate, government, or educational settings and may require skills in e-learning tools, curriculum development, and instructional design methodologies. Overall, the role offers a solid income potential but is generally not among the highest-paying jobs.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Instructional Systems Designer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Instructional Systems Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Instructional Systems Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,369 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Instructional Systems Designer

Claxton Logistics Services, LLC

Quantico, VA โ€ข On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Secret Clearance Required

Seeking an experienced Instructional Systems Designer to support U.S. Marine Corps range training curriculum and training product development. This position is contingent upon contract award.

The Instructional Systems Designer will develop, evaluate, and maintain instructional materials and training products in support of USMC range training requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Develop training materials including lesson plans, instructor guides, slides, graphics, storyboards, interactive multimedia instruction, test items, performance scenarios, and course schedules
  • Develop detailed instructor guides and instructional content to support effective course delivery
  • Research and develop content for publications, reference manuals, and pocket guides
  • Conduct formative and summative evaluations to assess training and implementation effectiveness and recommend revisions to training products
  • Analyze existing range training curricula to identify gaps and recommend new tasks, objectives, or course content
  • Design and develop illustrations, animations, graphics, digital video, photographs, and other media in support of training products
  • Participate in briefings, conferences, working groups, and weekly onsite synchronization meetings
  • Provide recommendations for course and student deliverable improvements based on End of Course Critiques, After Action Reports, Learning Experience Review Boards, and Curriculum Review Boards
  • Prepare reports documenting evaluation results, recommended course changes, and other training development activities

Qualifications:

  • Active Secret security clearance required
  • Experience in instructional systems design, curriculum development, or military training development
  • Experience developing lesson plans, instructor guides, training media, assessments, and other instructional products
  • Knowledge of instructional design methodologies and training evaluation techniques
  • Experience with graphic design, multimedia development, and related software tools
  • Strong analytical, written communication, presentation, and organizational skills
  • Experience supporting USMC or DoD training programs preferred

This position is contingent upon contract award.

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