Lead Instructional Designer - 90399244 - Philadelphia

Date:  Oct 10, 2025
Location: 

Philadelphia, PA, US, 19104

Company:  Amtrak

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

 

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

 

Job Summary

The Lead Instructional Designer is a member of the Training & Development group. They are responsible for delivering training material and programs that meet regulatory requirements for qualification and certification of Amtrak’s employees. Initially, this role will specifically work in the development and operation of Amtrak’s new Track Foreman Training Program.

 

This role will utilize the ADDIE model to deliver blended learning deliverables such as instructor led training, eLearning, on the job training programs. This role will also design a diverse mix of multimedia deliverables through graphic design, publication design, video and audio production, on-location video recording, animation, and interactive design. This role may also take part in introducing new technology to support training such as Virtual Reality Training and remote learning technology or assist with the administration of the Learning Management System (LMS).

 

This position will interface with various stakeholders, subject matter experts (SMEs), instructors, and LMS administrators throughout the organization.  It requires technical aptitude, appreciation for process, project management mindset, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work in both office and field settings.

Essential Functions

  • Follow Amtrak instructional design and multimedia project processes and utilize templates.

 

Analysis:

  • Conversations with end-client to determine business outcome needs
  • Identify key stakeholders and SMEs to develop content
  • Define expected outcomes and timeframe for completion of project
  • Determine size, scope, budget and learning strategy needed to fit budget requirements
  • Determine impact to Amtrak’s 49 CFR 243 Plan: Training, Qualification and Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees.

 

Design:

  • Develop learning objectives
  • Identify and list learning steps required to transfer knowledge or acquire new skills
  • Identify pre-requirements (e.g. experience/capabilities) for the learning program
  • Sequence and structure content, and when needed create curricula/curriculum maps
  • Develop performance tests to show mastery
  • Design a diverse mix of multimedia deliverables through graphic design, publication design, video and audio production, on-location video recording, animation, and interactive design. 

 

Develop:

  • Use tools (MS Office, Articulate Storyline, Captivate, or Adobe) to develop training programs using a variety of media tools that combine video, graphics, animation when appropriate
  • Develop and facilitate access to information and improvement efforts through the use of technology including online, computer-assisted, web-based, distance learning and other advanced technology mediums as appropriate
  • Develop learning support materials such as eLearning programs, facilitator/participant guides and job aids

 

Implement:

  • Host Train the Trainer sessions and walk–through with SMEs/client for new training programs or training technology
  • Archive old training materials following proper procedure
  • Update Amtrak’s 49 CFR 243 Plan
  • Communicate project completion to relevant stakeholders

Evaluation:

  • As appropriate design and develop Kirkpatrick’s levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 evaluation tools
  • Facilitate measurement and the effectiveness of training modalities and materials

Provide guidelines on use of measurements and learning material maintenance

Minimum Qualifications

 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Business or related field required (or equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).

    Minimum of 6 years relevant experience required (minimum of 10 years relevant experience in lieu of degree).

    Must possess a solid background in designing learning programs, for multiple clients, while managing multiple projects. The ideal candidate(s) will be able to use their design skills equally well for Instructor Led Training and eLearning to drive significant performance improvement

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in Training & Development or related field preferred
  • Railroad experience
  • Video production experience
  • Quality Management System process development experience.
  • Electronic Document Management System experience
  • Knowledge and working experience with Leaning Management Systems (SAP SuccessFactors)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Experience successfully managing multiple projects, estimating, budgeting, and planning
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with peers, senior leaders, and subject matter experts, and working with diverse teams
  • Advanced level proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity using Microsoft Project
  • Skilled in collaborating with teams, presenting ideas, and learning solutions for train-the-trainer
  • High level client interaction and communication skills required. Ability to communicate effectively in person, on the phone, and virtually
  • Prior experience is a technical environment such as railroad, construction, transportation, mechanical, etc.
  • Must be proficient in creating digital media, provide technical consultation and serve as a liaison between the business and creative needs.  
  • Skillful ability to shoot and produce high quality video/audio content
  • Produce creative assets utilizing the Adobe Creative suite including, but not limited to, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects, Audition and Light Room.
  • Proficient in the use of authoring tools including Articulate Storyline

The salary/hourly range is $94,300.00 – $122,256.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position and/or long-term incentive plan compensation. In addition to your salary, Amtrak offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental, and vision plans; health savings accounts; wellness programs; flexible spending accounts; 401K retirement plan with employer match; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; paid time off; back-up care; adoption assistance; surrogacy assistance; reimbursement of education expenses; Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility; Railroad Retirement sickness and retirement benefits; and rail pass privileges. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

 

Requisition ID:165379

Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak.
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 75%

You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.


Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.


In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

 

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.


Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.


Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.