Workforce Development Specialist Jobs in Reston, VA

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

QinetiQ is looking for a Learning & Development Specialist to serve as a senior individual contributor within the Integrated Talent Management (ITM) team, responsible for advancing enterprise capability through both strategic learning solutions and organization effectiveness initiatives.

This role operates with a high degree of autonomy to diagnose organizational needs, solve complex performance challenges, and implement scalable solutions that improve workforce capability, team effectiveness, and business outcomes. The Principal partners across functions to align learning, organizational design, and talent practices with strategic priorities, operational performance, and compliance requirements.

The ideal candidate is a recognized expert who integrates learning strategy with organization development principles to drive measurable impact at the individual, team, and organizational levels.

This is role is open to Consultants/1099.

Learning Design & Delivery

• Lead the assessment of organizational learning needs and translate business priorities into targeted development solutions that improve performance and operational outcomes
• Design and deliver structured learning programs across functional, technical, and leadership domains, applying advanced instructional design methodologies and adult learning principles
• Partner with subject matter experts, business leaders, and external vendors to develop and deliver high-quality, scalable learning solutions
• Facilitate instructor-led and virtual training sessions for critical programs and audiences, including leadership-level participants as needes

Program Ownership & Learning Operations

• Own end-to-end execution of learning programs, including planning, scheduling, delivery logistics, communications, and stakeholder coordination
• Manage and continuously improve LMS operations, including course architecture, user experience, reporting, and system optimization
• Ensure training content, records, and processes meet internal standards and external compliance requirements; support audit readiness
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and learner experience across learning operations
• Coordinate with IT and vendors to resolve system issues and support enhancements or integrations

Learning Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Define and implement learning measurement strategies aligned to business objectives, including effectiveness, adoption, and impact
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting to provide actionable insights to stakeholders and leadership
• Analyze learning data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities; recommend and implement improvements
• Apply evaluation frameworks (e.g., Kirkpatrick) to assess program effectiveness and inform decision-making
• Support compliance reporting and audit requirements through accurate, timely data management

Organizational Performance Diagnosis & Design

• Partner with leaders to design and implement organizational improvements that enhance performance and alignment
• Diagnose root causes of performance challenges and recommend integrated solutions, including process, role clarity, structure, and behavioral interventions
• Align learning solutions with broader talent and organizational effectiveness strategies
• Support the development and implementation of frameworks for goal setting, performance management, and capability building

Change Management & Adoption

• Lead or support change management efforts tied to organizational initiatives, ensuring effective adoption and sustainability
• Develop strategies to drive behavior change, leader alignment, and employee engagement
• Partner with stakeholders to manage communication, readiness, and reinforcement of change initiatives

Consulting & Stakeholder Influence

• Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders on learning, organization effectiveness, and workforce capability
• Influence cross-functional stakeholders to align on solutions that improve organizational performance
• Contribute to enterprise talent strategies by identifying emerging capability and organizational needs

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Learning & Development, Organizational Development, Education, Business, or related field
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in learning and development, organization development, or related field
• Demonstrated expertise in instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), adult learning principles, and curriculum development
• Experience applying organization effectiveness/organization development principles (e.g., org design, change management, performance consulting)
• Proven ability to independently manage complex initiatives and solve ambiguous problems
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across functions
• Experience administering and optimizing a Learning Management System (LMS)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into insights and action

• Experience in a defense contracting, government, or highly regulated environment
• Experience applying formal evaluation frameworks (e.g., Kirkpatrick Model)
• Experience applying change management frameworks (e.g. ProSci)
• Proficiency with e-learning development tools (e.g., Articulate, Captivate)
• Advanced degree or relevant certifications in Learning & Development or Organizational Development

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.