Instructional Designer

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls.

Graco is part of your daily life.

This role is currently based at our Minneapolis office and will transition to our new headquarters in Dayton, MN, in 2027.

The Instructional Designer is responsible for designing and developing standardized training materials that enable Technical Trainers to effectively deliver high-quality, consistent training across manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with technical trainers, operations leaders, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex manufacturing processes into structured, instructor-ready content that supports safety, quality, and operational excellence.

What You Will Do at Graco

Training Design & Development

* Design and develop instructor-led training (ILT) materials for Technical Trainers, including facilitator guides, participant materials, and structured lesson plans

* Translate complex manufacturing processes, equipment operation, and technical procedures into clear, trainer-led instructional materials

* Create supporting training tools such as job aids, visual guides, process maps, skills checklists, and assessments

* Standardize training content to ensure consistency across shifts, sites, and trainers

* Manage relevant content within the Graco LMS

Collaboration & Content Development

* Partner with Technical Trainers and SMEs to capture best practices and convert them into scalable, repeatable training content

* Conduct needs analysis to identify gaps in existing training materials and recommend improvements

Program Support & Trainer Enablement

* Support onboarding and certification programs by equipping trainers with structured curricula and evaluation tools

* Support train-the-trainer initiatives to ensure effective delivery and adoption of materials

Compliance & Content Governance

* Ensure all training materials align with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies

* Maintain and update training content to reflect process improvements, equipment changes, or new technologies

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

* Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback from Technical Trainers and operational performance metrics

* Other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring to Graco

* Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Learning & Development, Education, or related field

* 3+ years of experience in instructional design experience, preferably in manufacturing, industrial, or technical training environments

* Experience developing instructor-led training content and facilitator guides

* Strong ability to translate technical or operational processes into structured training materials

* Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM)

* Strong collaboration skills with ability to partner effectively with Technical Trainers and SMEs

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills

* Strong attention to detail and content accuracy

* Structured thinking and curriculum development skills

* Effective collaboration with technical and frontline teams

* Continuous improvement mindset

Accelerators

* Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge

* MBA or Master's degree preferred

* Experience supporting Technical Trainers or train-the-trainer programs

* Background in manufacturing, industrial operations, or skilled trades environments

* Familiarity with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence concepts

* Experience creating visual and hands-on training materials for frontline employees

* Knowledge of safety and compliance training requirements (e.g., OSHA)

* Experience with eLearning tools to supplement instructor-led training

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Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco's culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in…