Instructional Systems Design Engineer, Expert

As the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Engineer, Expert supporting the VHA AI Education Hub (TOPR 0032), you will lead the end-to-end design, development, and delivery of cutting-edge AI-focused training and curriculum for the Veterans Health Administration — one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the world. You will serve as the senior ISD authority on the program, guiding a team of Instructional Designers to build scalable, evidence-based learning solutions that equip VA healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively understand, adopt, and apply artificial intelligence tools in clinical and administrative settings.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and collaborative leader who thrives in complex, fast-moving federal healthcare environments and brings a passion for translating emerging technology concepts into accessible, high-impact learning experiences. You are equally comfortable mentoring junior designers, advising senior stakeholders, and rolling up your sleeves to refine curriculum standards that will shape the future of AI literacy across the VA enterprise.

Serve as the senior subject matter expert and lead consultant on all Instructional Systems Design studies, projects, and methodologies supporting the VHA AI Education Hub, providing authoritative guidance to internal teams, VA stakeholders, and program leadership.

Direct and manage a team of Instructional Designers through the full ADDIE or comparable systematic ISD process — including needs assessments, learning objective development, content design, formative evaluation, and iterative refinement — to produce effective, learner-centered AI training solutions.

Own the overall planning, coordination, and on-time delivery of the AI Education Hub training effort, including milestone tracking, resource allocation, stakeholder communication, and risk management in alignment with contract performance requirements.

Establish, implement, and continuously refine curriculum and training design standards, style guides, and quality assurance processes to ensure consistency, instructional rigor, and accessibility (Section 508 compliance) across all deliverables.

Conduct and oversee systematic training needs assessments and gap analyses across VHA workforce segments to inform the strategic design of formal and informal learning solutions addressing AI literacy, ethics, and clinical application.

Provide expert mentoring, coaching, and professional development guidance to junior and mid-level Instructional Designers on the team, modeling best practices in adult learning theory, instructional technology, and federal training compliance standards.

Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Instructional Systems Design, with demonstrated expertise leading large-scale curriculum development and formal training delivery programs, preferably in complex government or healthcare environments.

Doctorate degree required in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Education, Educational Psychology, or a closely related field.

Prior experience supporting federal agency clients — ideally the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), or another federal health-focused organization — with a strong understanding of federal training requirements, procurement norms, and government stakeholder engagement.

Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential and pass a VA background investigation (Tier 1 / MBI or higher) required prior to onboarding; existing VA or federal facility access is a plus.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship; this position does not support visa sponsorship.

Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring teams of instructional designers or training professionals, with proven ability to implement and uphold enterprise-level curriculum standards and ISD governance processes across multi-workstream programs.

- Experience designing training programs specifically focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, data literacy, or health informatics for clinical or non-technical healthcare audiences.
- Familiarity with VA or federal health IT systems, VHA workforce learning platforms (e.g., TMS — Talent Management System), and Section 508 / WCAG accessibility compliance for digital courseware.
- Knowledge of VA or federal AI policy frameworks, including VA's AI Strategy, the Executive Order on AI, or related federal responsible AI guidance applicable to healthcare settings.
- Experience applying advanced learning modalities such as adaptive learning, simulation-based training, microlearning, or virtual instructor-led training (vILT) in a federal or large health system context.
- Active membership or certification in professional ISD/learning organizations (e.g., ATD, ISPI) or a recognized instructional design certification (e.g., ATD CPTD, IDOL) is a plus.

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.