About arenaflex
arenaflex is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and advanced technology services. With a legacy of innovation that spans decades, our mission is to empower military and civilian operators with the most effective, cutting‑edge training solutions available. From fighter jets to autonomous aircraft, and from airborne surveillance platforms to vertical lift systems, arenaflex designs and delivers instructional experiences that keep our customers mission‑ready and future‑focused.
We are proud to be at the forefront of learning science, leveraging data‑driven design, immersive technologies, and a deep understanding of operational environments. Our teams operate across the United States, collaborating with the Navy, Air Force, Army, and allied partners to ensure that every training program we create meets the highest standards of safety, effectiveness, and usability.
Position Overview
arenaflex’s Global Services (GTS) Courseware Design & Instruction (CD&I) team is seeking an Associate or Mid‑Level Customer Instructional Systems Designer to join one of our high‑impact locations: St. Louis, MO; Tukwila, WA; Jacksonville, FL; Oklahoma City, OK; or Ridley Park, PA. In this role, you will partner directly with our Air Dominance CD&I team, supporting contracts for Navy and Air Force fighter programs such as the F‑18 and F‑15, while also having the flexibility to contribute to mobility, bomber, surveillance, and Army vertical lift platform initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Technical Learning Solutions: Translate complex aerospace and defense concepts into clear, engaging instructional experiences that meet specific customer and stakeholder objectives.
- Needs Analysis & Research: Conduct thorough analyses of learning objectives, operational contexts, and end‑user needs to inform solution architecture.
- Course Architecture & Methodology Recommendations: Advise stakeholders on optimal course structures, content sequencing, delivery modalities (e‑learning, instructor‑led, blended), and emerging instructional methodologies.
- Design Review Facilitation: Lead iterative design review cycles with subject matter experts, program managers, and client representatives to ensure alignment and quality.
- Training Content Development Support: Collaborate with multimedia developers, subject matter experts, and technical writers to create modules, simulations, assessments, and job‑aids that fulfill defined training objectives.
- Effectiveness Evaluation: Implement and analyze performance metrics, learner feedback, and post‑training assessments to measure instructional impact and drive continuous improvement.
- Innovation & Technology Integration: Research, evaluate, and recommend new instructional technologies, tools, and strategies—such as VR/AR, adaptive learning platforms, and AI‑driven analytics—to enhance delivery and learner engagement.
- Compliance & Export Control Awareness: Ensure all training materials and processes adhere to export control regulations and security clearance requirements.
Essential Qualifications (Required)
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Instructional Design, Education Technology, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience applying Instructional System Design (ISD) methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, Agile Learning Design).
- Hands‑on experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Data Analytics tools.
- Ability to interpret technical data, schematics, and operational manuals to create accurate learning content.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
- U.S. citizenship (or eligible “U.S. Person” status) to meet export control and security clearance requirements.
- Willingness to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance (interim or final) post‑hire.
Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)
- Graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Learning Sciences, Human Performance, or a related discipline.
- Prior experience designing training for military aviation platforms (fighters, bombers, UAVs, or vertical lift aircraft).
- Familiarity with emerging instructional technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or immersive simulation environments.
- Proficiency in authoring tools like Articulate 360, Captivate, Adobe Captivate Prime, or similar.
- Experience with data‑driven performance improvement cycles and statistical analysis of learning outcomes.
- Project management certification (PMP, Agile Scrum Master) or demonstrable project leadership experience.
- Background in aerospace, defense, or related high‑stakes technical domains.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to dissect complex systems and distill essential knowledge for learners.
- Creative Problem‑Solving: Design innovative instructional strategies that overcome constraints such as limited bandwidth, high‑risk environments, or fragmented learner populations.
- Collaboration: Work seamlessly with cross‑functional teams—including engineers, pilots, program managers, and software developers—to ensure alignment and quality.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in ensuring technical accuracy, compliance, and consistency across all instructional artifacts.
- Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑changing environment where priorities may shift with new contracts or emerging technologies.
- Technical Literacy: Comfortable navigating aerospace terminology, system schematics, and performance data.
- Customer‑Centric Mindset: Understand and anticipate client needs, delivering solutions that exceed expectations.
Why Join arenaflex?
arenaflex offers a dynamic, mission‑driven workplace where your instructional expertise directly contributes to national security and cutting‑edge aerospace advancements. As part of our CD&I team, you will be empowered to:
- Shape Future‑Ready Training: Work on high‑visibility programs that influence the capabilities of the world’s most advanced aircraft.
- Access State‑of‑the‑Art Tools: Leverage immersive simulation, AI‑enhanced analytics, and modern authoring platforms to create compelling learning experiences.
- Grow Professionally: Benefit from mentorship, tuition assistance, certification sponsorships, and a clear career ladder from Associate to Senior Designer, Lead Instructional Architect, and beyond.
- Collaborate Across Borders: Engage with subject matter experts, engineers, and operators from multiple services and allied nations, expanding your professional network.
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Earn a salary commensurate with your experience (Associate range: $66,300‑$89,700; Mid‑Level range: $75,650‑$118,450) plus performance‑based variable pay.
- Comprehensive Total Rewards Package: Health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, life & disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, and generous paid time off.
- Work‑Life Integration: Flexible schedules, remote‑work opportunities where feasible, and employee assistance programs to support mental and physical well‑being.
Work Environment & Culture
arenaflex cultivates a culture of inclusion, curiosity, and excellence. Our teams embody the following values:
- Integrity: We act with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to ethical standards.
- Collaboration: We break down silos, encouraging open dialogue and shared problem‑solving.
- Innovation: We invest in research and encourage experimentation to stay ahead of the learning curve.
- Respect for the Individual: Diverse perspectives are celebrated, and every employee is empowered to bring their whole self to work.
Our offices feature modern workspaces, collaborative hubs, and access to on‑site or virtual training labs equipped with the latest simulation technology. Whether you are in St. Louis, Tukwila, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, or Ridley Park, you will find a supportive community committed to your success.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits (General Overview)
- Base Salary: Competitive, market‑aligned pay based on experience and location.
- Variable Compensation: Annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance.
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision coverage; wellness programs; employee assistance resources.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave accruals.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, certification funding, internal learning portals, and mentorship programs.
- Relocation Support: While relocation assistance is not provided for this specific role, we offer guidance on local housing resources and community integration.
- Security Clearance Support: Assistance with the clearance process, including required documentation and liaison with government agencies.
Application Process
Ready to craft the next generation of aerospace training? Submit your application through arenaflex’s official Careers portal. Our recruiting team will review your qualifications, and qualified candidates will be invited to a series of interviews that may include a portfolio review, scenario‑based design exercise, and a discussion of your experience with defense‑related instructional challenges.
Equal Opportunity & Inclusion
arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing a workplace that is accessible and supportive for all employees.
Join the Mission
If you are passionate about turning complex technical knowledge into clear, actionable learning experiences, and you thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment, arenaflex wants to hear from you. Your expertise will help pilots, maintainers, and operators around the globe master the systems that protect our skies and advance our technological frontier.
Apply today and become a catalyst for excellence in aerospace training!