Instructional Designer

Who is Trace3?

Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.

Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!

Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.  

Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?

Come Join Us!

Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times

We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the “big picture.” We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.

Juice - The “Stuff” it takes to be a Needle Mover

We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.

Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart

We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it’s due and demonstrate transparency. We “bring the weather” by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.

U.S. Citizenship is required for this position due to client-specific government/federal requirements. Candidates with dual citizenship are not eligible for this position.

Position Overview

 The Senior Instructional Designer leads the design and development of engaging, effective, and scalable learning programs that translate Trace3 business goals and offerings into learner-centered curricula with measurable impact. This role owns curriculum strategy and the end-to-end learning solution lifecycle—from discovery and needs analysis through solution architecture, development, deployment, measurement, and continuous improvement. They create detailed design documents (DDDs) and standards that guide consistent, high-quality delivery across modalities, and partner with leaders, SMEs, and enablement teams to align learning with Trace3 services, GTM motions, and delivery excellence. This position follows Trace3’s established job description structure, sections, and tone used across comparable senior consulting roles to ensure consistency in expectations and presentation.

*Please note, this is a contract position through Trace3*

Key Responsibilities

I. Curriculum Strategy & Solution Architecture

• Lead discovery and needs analysis to define learning objectives, scope, audiences, prerequisites, and success metrics aligned to Trace3 priorities and role competencies; translate business outcomes into curriculum roadmaps and learning pathways.
• Architect end-to-end learning programs spanning multi-modal experiences (self‑paced eLearning, VILT/ILT, workshops, microlearning, simulations/labs, job aids, and communities of practice) with clear time‑to‑proficiency targets and on‑the‑job performance outcomes.
• Produce detailed design documents (DDDs) and storyboards that codify goals, content outlines, interactions, media plans, accessibility requirements, assessments, and measurement strategies to drive repeatable, scalable execution across delivery teams.
• Make build/buy/adapt recommendations; select methods and technologies to optimize outcomes, cost, and speed to value in alignment with Trace3 standards and GTM enablement motions.

II. Content Development & Production

• Develop high-quality assets (scripts, decks, eLearning modules, facilitator guides, participant materials, assessments, labs, job aids, performance support) applying adult learning, LXD, and accessibility best practices for maximum engagement and knowledge transfer.
• Establish and maintain content lifecycle governance (versioning, review, updates) and a reusable content library to support scale across regions, practices, and enablement initiatives.

III. Assessment, Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Define diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment strategies; implement dashboards and reports to track adoption, proficiency, and business KPIs; iterate based on data, stakeholder input, and learner feedback.
• Pilot new offerings (including A/B testing), run after-action reviews, and apply continuous improvement practices to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of programs over time. 

IV. Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Partner with business leaders, SMEs, sales enablement, and delivery teams to prioritize needs and ensure solutions support GTM campaigns, standardized offerings, and client delivery outcomes; facilitate design workshops and train-the-trainer sessions for scalable delivery.
• Manage project scope, schedules, risks, and dependencies across multiple concurrent initiatives; provide clear status communications to stakeholders at all levels.

V. Tools, Standards & Innovation

• Own instructional design standards and templates (DDDs, storyboards, facilitator/participant guides) and drive adoption to ensure consistent learner experience and operational efficiency; steward content in LMS/LXP environments.
• Leverage modern authoring and collaboration tools (e.g., M365) and responsibly employ GenAI where appropriate for ideation, curation, and assessment under Trace3 governance practices informed by internal Copilot initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years in instructional design/learning experience design with a portfolio demonstrating end-to-end ownership of multi-modal programs, DDDs, and measurable business impact; proven experience operating in fast-paced consulting or services environments.
• Deep expertise in adult learning theory, learning science, assessment strategy, and accessibility; advanced skill in creating DDDs, storyboards, facilitator/participant materials, and scalable content libraries consistent with Trace3’s emphasis on reusable assets and standardization.
• Proficiency with eLearning and content tools, collaboration suites (M365), and LMS/LXP administration/analytics; strong visual communication and writing skills for executive and non-technical audiences (Trace3 requirement across senior roles).
• Demonstrated ability to align learning to GTM, services, and delivery needs; experience partnering cross-functionally to enable standardized offerings and reusable enablement collateral (e.g., service briefs, pitch content, discovery aids).
• Strong project/program management: scoping, work plans, stakeholder management, schedules, risk management, and status reporting; comfortable managing multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Learning analytics expertise (xAPI or similar), UDL/WCAG accessibility experience, and relevant certifications (e.g., ATD CPTD/APTD, CTT+). 

The Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
• Competitive Compensation
• Training and development programs
• Stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages
• Collaborative and cool culture
• Work-life balance and generous paid time off

Our Commitment

At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.

We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email recruiting@trace3.com.

***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.