Instructional Designer and Simulation Specialist

Overview

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is hiring an Instructional Designer and Simulation Specialist who develops and maintains training programs and realistic simulation scenarios for system operators. The role collaborates with subject matter experts and operations leadership to provide technically accurate and effective training aligned with regulatory standards.

• Design and develop eLearning, asynchronous courses, and instructor‑led training materials.
• Create simulation scenarios using GE Dispatch Training Simulators (DTS/MRTS) to support operator proficiency and emergency response.
• Collaborate with SMEs, operations leadership, and training teams to align training with operational needs and compliance requirements.
• Analyze training needs, evaluate performance gaps, and update training solutions based on feedback and assessment data.
• Manage and coordinate training projects, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards such as NERC operator certification.
• Required proficiency with instructional design principles and simulation‑based training development.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience, plus 4 years in instructional design or relevant technical training roles.
• Must obtain or renew NERC Operator Certification within 12 months of hire.

$70,320 to $87,895 with competitive benefits including bonuses, insurance, retirement plans, and relocation support.

• Analyze operational training needs in collaboration with system operators, engineers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure the delivery format and content align with identified needs.
• Evaluate job tasks, reliability‑related tasks, and performance gaps to inform training solutions.
• Assess system changes, operational procedures, and emerging reliability risks to determine training solutions.
• Review feedback, assessment results, and performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Partner with trainers, SMEs, and operations leadership to translate operational requirements into effective training solutions.
• Facilitate discussions with SMEs to validate technical accuracy and ensure alignment with real‑time operations.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to support simulation exercises, drills, and training events.
• Serve as a liaison between training, operations, and technical teams to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
• Support operator readiness initiatives by collaborating on training strategies and priorities.
• Partner with development teams on new and changing application software that may impact system operators' workflows, tools, or interfaces for training purposes.
• Coordinate and ensure the accessibility of all training solutions with the Learning Management System (LMS) in collaboration with the system administrator.
• Collaborate with staff and SMEs to pilot all new training solutions prior to implementation.
• Lead coordination of eLearning development efforts, including project initiatives, deliverables and timelines.
• Design and develop engaging training solutions including, eLearning, asynchronous courses, blended learning, and instructor‑led materials.
• Develop detailed lesson plans, scripts, delivery timelines and obtain SME approval for all training solutions to ensure compliance requirements and project/departmental timelines are met.
• Translate complex technical content into clear, structured, and instructionally sound training solutions.
• Design and develop simulation scenarios in the GE Dispatch Training Simulator (DTS/MRTS) that replicate real‑world grid conditions.
• Build scenarios that support operator proficiency in reliability‑related tasks, emergency operations, and restoration activities.
• Support delivery of simulation‑based training events, including drills, exercises, and readiness assessments.
• Maintain and update training solutions and simulation scenarios to reflect system and procedural changes.
• Integrate multimedia elements (audio, graphics, animations, video) into training solutions to enhance the learner's experience.
• Capture and edit audio and/or video as needed to support training.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, observations, and…