Instructional Designer

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA. 

WHY GILLIG

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

Customer Care at GILLIG is a fully integrated post-delivery organization focused on protecting fleet uptime, reinforcing vehicle reliability, and strengthening long-term agency partnerships. The department owns the customer relationship after delivery by providing a service experience defined by speed, quality, and accountability, ensuring customers experience GILLIG as a unified partner committed to sustained fleet performance.

Through a coordinated support model, Customer Care delivers lifecycle support across Field Service, Technical Product Support, Warranty Operations, and Technical Training aligned by a central Customer Advocacy function that ensures consistent communication and relationship continuity. Together, these teams provide responsive field and remote support, structured warranty administration, and standardized training to enable customers to confidently operate and maintain their fleets while driving continuous product and service improvement.

This role is a dedicated Instructional Designer responsible for developing and structuring GILLIG’s technical training curriculum and content across instructor-led, blended, and digital delivery models. This role is based at GILLIG's headquarters in Livermore CA with direct access to the production plant.  This exposure provides a hands-on experience to vehicles throughout the build process from chassis assembly through final completion to create accurate, service-ready training materials grounded in real-world applications.

The Instructional Designer translates complex engineering documentation, service manuals, technical publications, and subject matter expertise into clear, structured training assets, including instructor-led materials, learner and trainer guides, and digital learning content. This role is responsible for assessing existing materials, identifying content gaps, and building new training solutions where none exist today.  A strong focus on establishing a scalable, forward-looking training framework rather than maintaining legacy content. Working cross-functionally with Field Service, Engineering, Publications, and Manufacturing, the Instructional Designer ensures training reflects build intent and real-world service conditions.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

• Develop and maintain technical training content derived from service manuals, schematics, technical bulletins, and engineering documentation, ensuring accuracy and applicability to field service
• Translate complex mechanical and electrical systems into clear, structured training content tailored for technician-level audiences
• Convert existing instructor-led materials and field knowledge into standardized, scalable training assets that support consistent delivery across teams
• Design and develop eLearning modules using Articulate 360 (Rise and Storyline), producing interactive, user-focused digital training experiences
• Create and publish SCORM-compliant training packages and maintain content within the Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring accuracy, version control, and alignment with product updates
• Support blended learning strategies that integrate digital content with instructor-led and field-based training to reinforce knowledge retention and application
• Capture and develop multimedia content, including basic video and audio, to document procedures, system overviews, and technical demonstrations
• Collaborate with Field Service teams to capture real-world shop-floor content and convert it into reusable training materials across multiple delivery formats
• Ensure all training content aligns with engineering intent, service documentation, and current product configurations through disciplined content validation and updates
• Partner cross-functionally with Field Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Publications to support training development, new product introductions, and emerging technologies including zero-emission systems
• Collaborate with third-party developers and vendors to support training content creation, development, and implementation
• Travel as needed to support content development, field observations, filming, and training initiatives at internal and customer locations

• Associate degree in a technical, instructional, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and technical experience will be considered
• Minimum of 3 years of experience developing technical, instructional, or training content in a manufacturing, transportation, automotive, or industrial environment
• Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including the ability to interpret service manuals, engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and technical documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, structured learning content
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and general digital tools used to develop, manage, and publish training content
• Experience with eLearning authoring tools (Articulate 360 preferred) and Learning Management Systems is highly desirable
• Experience with Salesforce and video hosting platforms (e.g., Vimeo) is preferred
• Strong problem-solving, organization, and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple content development projects simultaneously
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with technicians, trainers, engineers, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, developing environment

• Ability to lift 35 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally kneel or squat
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in production, shop, or field environments.
• Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, (i.e. safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection, etc.)
• 20%Travel Required
• Standard start time: 7:00am (negotiable)

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

$75,000 - $120,000/annual salary + premium benefits  

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the people we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.