Training and Development Specialist

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra‑precise optical components, and complex electro‑optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive innovative solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.

As a Training and Development Specialist, based in Middlefield, CT you will be responsible for designing, documenting, and delivering structured training programs that support onboarding and continuous development across technical production and engineering teams. Partnering with HR and Operational Excellence, you will drive creation and execution of a learning roadmap across the business. This role ensures that critical processes, systems, and technical knowledge are standardized, accessible, and effectively transferred to new hires and existing employees.

• Capture, document, and maintain standardized operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and technical processes across production and engineering functions
• Partner with subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex technical processes into clear, user‑friendly training materials
• Develop and maintain centralized knowledge repositories (e.g., SharePoint, digital playbooks)
• Ensure documentation is regularly updated to reflect process improvements, system updates, and operational changes
• Establish governance for documentation consistency, version control, and accessibility

• Partner with HR and key stakeholders to design and deliver structured onboarding programs
• Create role‑specific learning paths, including hands‑on, classroom, and digital learning components
• Facilitate onboarding sessions, technical training workshops, and knowledge transfer sessions

• Conduct training needs analysis
• Design blended learning solutions (e‑learning, instructor‑led, job aids, simulations)
• Develop training materials including manuals, videos, quick‑reference guides, and simulations
• Align training programs with safety, quality, and operational standards
• Integrate technical certifications and compliance requirements into training curricula

• Track and analyze training effectiveness using KPIs (e.g., time‑to‑productivity, error rates, training completion, quality metrics)
• Gather feedback from trainees and stakeholders to improve content and delivery methods
• Identify skills gaps and recommend targeted development initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement in learning methodologies and tools

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (or learning & development, industrial psychology or related field), advanced certifications in instructional design or training preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in training/learning/development, preferably in manufacturing, engineering or technical production environment.
• Problem‑solving and productive decision‑making skills.
• Planful and organized, attention to detail, with ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and ability to coach and develop others.
• Excellent listening skills and ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Familiar with Lean, Six Sigma or process improvement methodologies preferred.
• Use of LMS platforms (SAP Success Factors), instructional design and documentation tools, and AI or other digital tools (Scribe, etc).

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export‑controlled information and source code.

• Employee Type:
  Salaried
• Currency: USD
• Salary Minimum: 110,000
• Salary Maximum: 135,000
• Incentive:
  No
• Disclaimer:
  Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 .