Job Description
Position : Learning & Development specialist
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Long Term Contract
Role Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Learning & Development Specialist to design, develop, and scale engaging, learner-centered training programs in our fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role combines instructional design , LMS administration , and facilitation to support new hire onboarding, operator upskilling, production training, and ongoing capability building.
The ideal candidate brings a strong instructional design mindset , excellent communication skills, and a proactive personality. You thrive in a high-energy setting, enjoy going above and beyond, and are passionate about creating practical training that drives real performance improvements. Experience with ATD principles or certification is strongly preferred, with emphasis on practical L&D execution over purely academic approaches.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop engaging, learner-centered training programs and materials for manufacturing associates, including onboarding, upskilling, refresher courses, and production-related training.
- Create and maintain high-quality instructional content using tools such as Articulate Storyline, with the ability to incorporate animations, interactive elements, and effective visuals.
- Manage and administer the Learning Management System (LMS), including user management, content uploads, compliance tracking, reporting, and data maintenance.
- Coordinate and facilitate training sessions, including scheduling, logistics, participant tracking, and hands-on delivery for both classroom and virtual formats.
- Conduct basic skills gap assessments, collaborate with stakeholders to align training with business and production needs, and support continuous improvement of L&D initiatives.
- Maintain accurate training documentation, records, and compliance reporting to ensure all required training is completed and up to date.
- Contribute to the development and rollout of a scalable, comprehensive L&D program that supports new product introductions (NPI), production ramps, and overall manufacturing excellence.
- Partner with subject matter experts (SMEs) and cross-functional teams to ensure training content is accurate, relevant, and effective.
Must-Have Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in Learning & Development, Training, Instructional Design, or LMS Administration in a fast-paced or enterprise environment.
- Hands-on experience with Learning Management Systems (e.g., ComplianceWire, Docebo, Absorb LMS, Cornerstone OnDemand, SuccessFactors, Litmos, TalentLMS, 360Learning, Workramp, or similar).
- Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and motivate learners in both training delivery and interactive settings.
- Proactive, agile, and adaptable "go-getter" mindset with genuine enthusiasm for learning, continuous improvement, and going above and beyond.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration skills, backed by strong professional references.
- High attention to detail, along with solid organizational and documentation abilities.
- Comfortable with technology and able to quickly learn and adapt to new tools and systems.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications (Plusses)
- ATD (Association for Talent Development) certification or active association with ATD.
- Specific experience with Compliance Wire LMS.
- Hands-on experience designing training in Articulate Storyline , including creating animations and interactive modules.
- Training or operational experience in manufacturing, production, or regulated environments, with exposure to systems such as AGILE PLM, MES, or SAP.
- Experience facilitating new hire onboarding programs.
- Background in medical device, healthcare, robotics, or similar regulated industries.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) or production ramp-up training initiatives.
- This role is ideal for someone who is energetic, collaborative, and excited to build impactful training that directly supports our manufacturing teams and business goals.