Learning Development Program Manager Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

About the Role:

Wing is looking for a Learning & Development Lead to join our People team. We are seeking someone with a builder mindset who has a deep understanding of how different employees learn and acquire skills and are passionate about creating the environment and systems that promote a learning oriented  culture. This role is hybrid based in Palo Alto, CA or based remotely in the United States.  

We are looking for a forward thinking, technologically savvy Learning & Development Lead to design, launch, and scale Wing's centralized corporate training function. Initially acting as a high impact individual contributor, you will design the foundation for how Wing's workforce learns, develops skills, and aligns with critical operational imperatives. This is not a traditional L&D role focused on licensing legacy Learning Management Systems (LMS) or rolling out static corporate modules. Instead, you will champion a next generation learning paradigm that leverages AI, LLM-driven knowledge engines, and contextual delivery mechanisms to provide adaptive learning solutions built for a highly technical and operational workforce that is rapidly evolving and scaling.  

What You'll Do: 

• Build the blueprint, strategy, and system foundation for Wing's first centralized corporate training function to serve the global workforce
• Evaluate, select, and implement modern, AI-driven learning tools and knowledge systems. Think beyond static, archaic LMS tools, this is an opportunity to build or implement adaptive learning paths and realtime support mechanisms driven by automated content contextualization
• Act as the architect of core learning pillars, utilizing strong foundational learning science to ensure learning pathways drive specific, measurable business goals. Core initial programs will include:
  • Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Health & Safety
  • Build upon Wing's existing leadership frameworks that define how Wing managers lead, mentor, and build high-performing teams
  • Elevating engineering and operational skill sets through cutting-edge workflows.  Partner with our AI Champions across the organization to help cascade key AI training & development
• Partner closely with various client groups and executive leadership to align learning objectives with organizational metrics and dynamic regulatory requirements including: 
  • Partnering with the Aviation Safety team on core learning modules that support our Safety Management System.
  • Partnering with the Legal, Compliance and EH&S teams on critical compliance and EH&S training for our employees and extended field teams
• Facilitate training sessions for Winglets (virtual and in person), depending on the content
• Operate initially as an entrepreneurial individual contributor who designs and delivers materials directly.  Over time, you will strategically build out a small, scrappy team to expand impact 

What You'll Need: 

• 10+ years of total experience in instructional design, corporate learning, or people development, with a proven track record of standing up programs in fast growing technology companies or aviation/robotics/hardware industries
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education, Business Administration, or a related field
• Strong background in instructional design theories and learning psychology. Proven ability to design training modules that balance different learning archetypes (from desk-based software engineers to field-based employees)
• Active experience incorporating AI solutions into dynamic learning workflows
• Ability to link learning interventions to core business metrics (e.g., incident rate reduction, engineering speed, leadership retention) rather than vanity completion rates
• A passion for operating as an individual contributor in the early stages, writing content, organizing materials, and building courses yourself, combined with the strategic maturity required to set up a new function within the people function
• Excellent public speaking & presentation skills