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Principal Instructional Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SEACORP

Instructional Designer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: * Design, develop, and document instructor-led, paper-based ... Instructional Designer I, II, III - Bachelors level degree inInstructional System Design or ...

SEACORP

Instructional Designer

Norfolk, VA

$62K - $85K/yr

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: * Design, develop, and document instructor-led, paper-based ... and designing for standards. * Experience in the full life cycle of the instructional systems ...

perdoceo

Instructional Designer

$66K - $90K/yr

Principal Duties & Responsibilities * Utilizing their professional expertise, develop courses that ... Instructional Designers must demonstrate the ability to research and map existing course content ...

Sunbelt Rentals

Instructional Designer

Fort Mill, SC

$64K - $89K/yr

Applies Instructional Design principles to assess learning needs and determine appropriate training ... The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description ...

Sunbelt Rentals, Inc.

Instructional Designer

Fort Mill, SC · On-site +1

$64K - $89K/yr

Applies Instructional Design principles to assess learning needs and determine appropriate training ... The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description ...

Sunbelt Rentals

Instructional Designer

Fort Mill, SC · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

Applies Instructional Design principles to assess learning needs and determine appropriate training ... The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description ...

Koniag, Inc.

Instructional Designer (REMOTE)

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$73K - $99K/yr

The Instructional Designer will design, build, maintain, and improve high-quality, accessible ... Principal responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Course Design and Development:

kgs

Instructional Designer (REMOTE)

Washington, DC · Remote

$73K - $99K/yr

The Instructional Designer will design, build, maintain, and improve high-quality, accessible ... Principal responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Course Design and Development:

kgs

Instructional Designer (REMOTE)

Washington, DC · Remote

$73K - $99K/yr

The Instructional Designer will design, build, maintain, and improve high-quality, accessible ... Principal responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Course Design and Development:

Republic Services

Instructional Designer - Sales

$68K - $93K/yr

The Instructional Designer collaborates with stakeholders and subject matter experts to analyze ... PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: * Follows accepted Instructional Design (ID) processes to design and ...

Republic Services

Instructional Designer - Sales

$68K - $93K/yr

The Instructional Designer collaborates with stakeholders and subject matter experts to analyze ... PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: * Follows accepted Instructional Design (ID) processes to design and ...

Republic Services

Instructional Designer - Sales

$68K - $93K/yr

The Instructional Designer collaborates with stakeholders and subject matter experts to analyze ... PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: * Follows accepted Instructional Design (ID) processes to design and ...

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Principal Instructional Designer information

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$44K

$79.7K

$124K

How much do principal instructional designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal instructional designer in the United States is $79,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $88,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal instructional designer?

Principal Instructional Designers are senior professionals who lead the design and development of educational programs and training materials within organizations. They oversee the instructional design process, ensuring that learning solutions are effective, engaging, and aligned with organizational goals. Their role often involves collaborating with subject matter experts, managing instructional projects, mentoring junior designers, and staying updated on the latest learning technologies and methodologies. Principal Instructional Designers play a key role in shaping the learning strategy and quality of educational content delivered.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal instructional designer?

To thrive as a Principal Instructional Designer, you need expertise in curriculum development, adult learning theory, project management, and typically a degree in instructional design or a related field. Mastery of e-learning authoring tools (such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), learning management systems (LMS), and sometimes certifications like CPLP or ATD are commonly required. Strategic thinking, leadership, collaboration, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing effective learning experiences, leading teams, and ensuring training solutions meet organizational goals.

How does a principal instructional designer typically collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) during the course development process?

A Principal Instructional Designer works closely with subject matter experts to ensure course content is both accurate and engaging. This collaboration often involves conducting needs assessments, facilitating content mapping sessions, and reviewing materials to align with learning objectives. The designer guides SMEs through best practices in adult learning and instructional technology, ensuring the final product meets organizational standards and learner needs. Regular meetings and feedback loops are common, fostering a partnership that balances pedagogical rigor with subject expertise.

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

AspectPrincipal Instructional DesignerInstructional Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; experience in leadership rolesBachelor's or Master’s in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentSenior-level projects, strategic planning, team leadershipDesigning courses, developing content, collaborating with subject matter experts
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, corporate training, e-learning companiesSimilar industries, often working under the guidance of senior staff

The Principal Instructional Designer typically leads complex projects and manages teams, requiring advanced experience and strategic skills. Instructional Designers focus on creating and developing learning materials, often at an entry or mid-level. Both roles are vital in education and corporate training, but differ mainly in scope and responsibility.

Are principal instructional designers still in demand?

Principal instructional designers are in demand as organizations continue to prioritize effective training and e-learning solutions. They often require expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and familiarity with learning management systems, making experienced professionals valuable in education, corporate training, and technology sectors.
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Principal Instructional Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Instructional Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 64% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 53% Physical, and 47% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,711 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Instructional Designer

Norfolk, VA • On-site

SEACORP
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about SEACORPexternal

$62K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

SEACORP is seeking a well-qualified Instructional Designer.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
JobSummary:
SEACORP is seeking Instructional Designers at various levels to support mission-critical defense programs by developinghigh-quality dynamic, engaging, and experiential learning content with anemphasis on user-centered design, user experience (UX), and accessibility forall learners. You will work closely with technical writers, engineers andprogram stakeholders to translate complex mechanical, electrical and systemlevel concepts into clear accurate and usable visuals that support operationsand maintainers in the field.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and document instructor-led, paper-based, and responsive technology-delivered curricula and performance support solutions.
  • Participate in the development and review of products for adherence to style and storyboard guidelines, writing standards, course/task flow, and designing for standards.
  • Experience in the full life cycle of the instructional systems design (ISD) process with experience in developing engaging, experiential instructor-led training as well as web-based and blended learning solutions.
  • Conduct basic needs assessments with SMEs in reference to existing and future course development.
  • Work with SMEs to formulate, format and document curriculum development and changes.
    Produce training materials (for example instructor guides, student guides, handouts and job aids).
  • Collect and analyze student feedback (Level 1 data) for courses to recommend possible areas requiring changes/improvement (content, instructors, and delivery methodologies.
  • Coordinate with the customer and SMEs to identify the critical knowledge, skills, abilities and technical requirements of the training content.

Qualifications:
Education:
Instructional Designer I, II, III - Bachelors level degree inInstructional System Design or Education Technology.
Instructional Designer IV - Masters level degree in Instruction designor equivalent.
Experience:
Instructional Designer I - 1 year of related professional service.
Instructional Designer II - 3 years of related professional service.
Instructional Designer III - 5 years of related professional service.
Instructional Designer IV - 7 years of related professional service.
As a requirement of employment, all SEACORP employees must hold U.S. Citizenship
Location: Norfolk, VA
Travel: Infrequently (<3 annually)
Clearance: Secret
Work Environment & Physical Demands: Electronics Assembly and Testing Laboratory - Sitting and standing for extended periods of time. Significant use of small hand and electrical tools that require fine motor skills. Significant use of computers, including use of a mouse and keyboard as well as viewing computer screens. Occasional lifting <40 lbs.; infrequent lifting of <40lbs., occasional twisting, bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling and squatting. Work is performed in generally consistent environmental conditions for temperature and lighting, with some potential exposure to fumes associated with soldering. Personal Protective Equipment: safety glasses and safety shoes recommended.
Successful candidates will enjoy competitive wages and a very rich benefit program, including:
  • Medical Benefits: Choice of two medical insurance programs through Blue Cross & Blue Shield.
  • Dental Benefits: A best in class Dental Insurance Plan through Delta Dental.
  • Vision Benefits: An excellent Vision Benefit providing discounts and allowances for prescription glasses and contact lenses.
  • Retirement Benefits: A qualified 401(k) Retirement Savings Account with a generous employer matching contribution up to 8% of your eligible compensation.
  • Life Insurance Benefits: Employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance equal to your annual salary. Supplemental coverage is available for you and qualified family members as well as Supplemental Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • Additional Benefits: Ten (10) Paid Holidays per year (including 2 floating Holidays), a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program; Tuition Reimbursement, and Referral Bonuses.
Undersea, on the surface, or in the air, SEACORP leverages its software and engineering expertise to deliver cutting edge warfare systems.
SEACORP is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. SEACORP strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
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About SEACORP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Middletown, RI, US

Year founded

1981

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