Instructional Designer & Curriculum Developer

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises;

we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and  approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.

-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values:
Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for an Instruction Designer & Curriculum Developer. This role will turn complex unmanned systems and rapidly evolving technology into training that enables operators and customers to use PDW products safely, confidently, and effectively. As PDW introduces new products and capabilities, this role will help ensure our training scales with them and that what we build can be successfully deployed, operated, and supported in the field.

• Design, develop, and maintain technical training curricula for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), payloads, software, and related technologies.
• Create comprehensive training materials, including lesson plans, instructor and student guides, presentations, practical exercises, assessments, job aids, and eLearning content.
• Collaborate with engineers, technical writers, trainers, and subject‑matter experts to translate complex technical information into clear, effective learning experiences.
• Ensure training materials align with technical publications, engineering changes, product updates, safety requirements, and approved operating and maintenance procedures.
• Evaluate and continuously improve curriculum through learner feedback, training observations, assessments, and support for new product releases and standardized training delivery.

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Technical Communication, Adult Learning, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or technical training for complex technical products such as UAS, aerospace, defense, robotics, software, or similar industries.
• Experience developing technical documents, technical training, including lesson plans, instructor and student guides, presentations, practical exercises, assessments, and eLearning content using adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills with the ability to translate complex engineering and maintenance information into clear, learner‑focused content while collaborating with engineers and subject‑matter experts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and content management/version control tools (SharePoint, Git Lab, LMS) and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.

• Experience developing technical training for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), aerospace, defense, aviation, robotics, or other complex technical products.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), military,…