Technical Trainer

GKN Aerospace

$80K — $95K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in industrial technology or engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
  • 7-10 years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment, preferably aerospace or advanced manufacturing.
  • Proven experience designing and delivering technical training programs (classroom and hands-on).
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, technical operations, and shop floor environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into effective training content.
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
  • Experience with training systems, documentation, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the site technical training strategy, aligned with operational goals and future capability needs.
  • Conduct skills gap assessments and develop training roadmaps to support workforce development and succession planning.
  • Serve as the site subject matter expert for technical training and capability development.
  • Design and maintain structured, competency-based training programs, including curricula, lesson plans, assessments, and certification pathways.
  • Develop skills matrices, qualification standards, and career progression frameworks for technical roles.
  • Deliver engaging classroom instruction, hands-on training, and on-the-job learning experiences.
  • Establish track training effectiveness metrics, linking outcomes to operational KPIs such as quality, productivity, and safety.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead the development of a world-class technical training program in aerospace manufacturing.
  • Critical role in advancing operational excellence, safety, quality, and employee development.
  • Involvement in cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Operations, HR, and Quality teams.
  • Ability to drive continuous improvements in training content and delivery methods.
  • Support for professional growth through design and execution of training for technical roles.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

Technical Training Manager to lead the development and execution of a world-class technical training program supporting aerospace manufacturing operations. This role combines deep engineering and manufacturing knowledge with instructional design expertise to build workforce capability across operators, technicians, apprentices, and engineers.

The Technical Training Manager will drive a site-wide training strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and future workforce needs. This position plays a critical role in advancing operational excellence, safety, quality, and employee development.

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Training Strategy & Leadership
  • Define and execute the site technical training strategy, aligned with operational goals and future capability needs.
  • Conduct skills gap assessments and develop training roadmaps to support workforce development and succession planning.
  • Serve as the site subject matter expert for technical training and capability development.
  • (If applicable) Lead and develop a team of technical trainers and/or training coordinators.

Curriculum Development & Program Design
  • Design and maintain structured, competency-based training programs, including curricula, lesson plans, assessments, and certification pathways.
  • Translate complex engineering and manufacturing processes into practical, accessible training content.
  • Develop skills matrices, qualification standards, and career progression frameworks for technical roles.
  • Apply proven instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, Kirkpatrick) to ensure effective learning outcomes.

Training Delivery & Execution
  • Deliver engaging classroom instruction, hands-on training, and on-the-job learning experiences.
  • Lead new hire technical onboarding and certification processes during the probationary period.
  • Facilitate train-the-trainer programs to build internal training capability.
  • Ensure training is delivered in compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Operations & Training Management
  • Manage the training calendar, scheduling, and completion tracking using LMS or other systems.
  • Maintain training facilities, equipment, and instructional environments, including training center operations.
  • Ensure all training documentation meets internal, customer, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ITAR, aerospace standards).

Continuous Improvement & Impact Measurement
  • Establish track training effectiveness metrics, linking outcomes to operational KPIs such as quality, productivity, and safety.
  • Evaluate training programs and implement continuous improvements in content, delivery methods, and technology.
  • Incorporate digital learning tools, simulations, and modern instructional methods to enhance learning effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Engineering, Operations, HR, and Quality to ensure alignment with technical standards and business priorities.
  • Support new product introductions, process changes, and operational transformations through targeted training initiatives.


Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in industrial technology or engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
  • 7-10 years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment, preferably aerospace or advanced manufacturing.
  • Proven experience designing and delivering technical training programs (classroom and hands-on).
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, technical operations, and shop floor environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into effective training content.
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
  • Experience with training systems, documentation, and compliance requirements.
  • Must be a U.S. Person (ITAR compliance) and eligible to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance if required.


Preferred
  • Certifications in instructional design or adult learning (ATD, Kirkpatrick, or equivalent).
  • Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital learning technologies.
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing.
  • Experience leading training centers, workforce development programs, or large-scale training initiatives.
  • Knowledge of change management, continuous improvement, or Lean principles.

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