Graco

Instructional Designer

Graco$75K — $131K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Learning & Development, Education, or related field
  • 3+ years of instructional design experience, preferably in manufacturing or technical training
  • Experience developing instructor-led training content and facilitator guides
  • Strong ability to translate complex processes into structured training materials
  • Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies (ADDIE, SAM)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail and content accuracy

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop instructor-led training materials for Technical Trainers
  • Translate complex manufacturing processes and technical procedures into instructional materials
  • Create supporting training tools such as job aids, visual guides, and assessments
  • Standardize training content for consistency across all trainers and sites
  • Conduct needs analysis to identify gaps in training materials
  • Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback and performance metrics

Benefits

  • Flexible working arrangements with hybrid opportunities
  • Support for training and professional development
  • Access to updated training tools and resources
  • Work in a collaborative environment focusing on continuous improvement
  • Direct impact on enhancing operational excellence
Full Job Description
This role is currently based at our Minneapolis office and will transition to our new headquarters in Dayton, MN, in 2027.

The Instructional Designer is responsible for designing and developing standardized training materials that enable Technical Trainers to effectively deliver high-quality, consistent training across manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with technical trainers, operations leaders, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex manufacturing processes into structured, instructor-ready content that supports safety, quality, and operational excellence.

What You Will Do at Graco

Training Design & Development
  • Design and develop instructor-led training (ILT) materials for Technical Trainers, including facilitator guides, participant materials, and structured lesson plans
  • Translate complex manufacturing processes, equipment operation, and technical procedures into clear, trainer-led instructional materials
  • Create supporting training tools such as job aids, visual guides, process maps, skills checklists, and assessments
  • Standardize training content to ensure consistency across shifts, sites, and trainers
  • Manage relevant content within the Graco LMS


Collaboration & Content Development
  • Partner with Technical Trainers and SMEs to capture best practices and convert them into scalable, repeatable training content
  • Conduct needs analysis to identify gaps in existing training materials and recommend improvements


Program Support & Trainer Enablement
  • Support onboarding and certification programs by equipping trainers with structured curricula and evaluation tools
  • Support train-the-trainer initiatives to ensure effective delivery and adoption of materials


Compliance & Content Governance
  • Ensure all training materials align with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies
  • Maintain and update training content to reflect process improvements, equipment changes, or new technologies


Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
  • Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback from Technical Trainers and operational performance metrics
  • Other duties as assigned.


What You Will Bring to Graco
  • Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Learning & Development, Education, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in instructional design experience, preferably in manufacturing, industrial, or technical training environments
  • Experience developing instructor-led training content and facilitator guides
  • Strong ability to translate technical or operational processes into structured training materials
  • Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM)
  • Strong collaboration skills with ability to partner effectively with Technical Trainers and SMEs
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and content accuracy
  • Structured thinking and curriculum development skills
  • Effective collaboration with technical and frontline teams
  • Continuous improvement mindset


Accelerators
  • Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge
  • MBA or Master's degree preferred
  • Experience supporting Technical Trainers or train-the-trainer programs
  • Background in manufacturing, industrial operations, or skilled trades environments
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence concepts
  • Experience creating visual and hands-on training materials for frontline employees
  • Knowledge of safety and compliance training requirements (e.g., OSHA)
  • Experience with eLearning tools to supplement instructor-led training


#LI-Hyrbid

#LI-KE1

The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees. Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.
$75,000.00 - $131,200.00

About Graco

Graco is a manufacturing company that produces equipment for fluid handling. The company's products move, measure, control, dispense, and apply a wide range of fluids and viscous materials used in vehicle lubrication, commercial and industrial settings, and construction and maintenance applications. Graco's products are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and food and beverage. The company was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Learn more about Graco
Size
3,800 employees
Market Cap
$11.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$330.4 million
Founded
1926
5 Year Trend
+8.4%
Revenue
$1.6 billion
NASDAQ

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