Job Description

The Instructional Designer designs and develops engaging, learner centered training solutions that support Associate performance and business outcomes. This role collaborates with subject matter experts and stakeholders to analyze learning needs, creates effective instructional content, and continuously improves learning experiences across multiple modalities. The ideal candidate brings strong foundational instructional design skills, hands on experience with Articulate Storyline, and a high aptitude for learning new tools, technologies, and business concepts.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Learning Strategy & Analysis:
  • Partner with stakeholders and SMEs to identify learning objectives and performance gaps.
  • Translate business requirements into clear learning goals, instructional strategies, and learning experiences.
  • Apply adult learning principles and basic learning science to instructional decisions.
• Design & Development:
  • Design and develop instructionally sound learning solutions adhering to internal processes and established design standards
  • Develop solutions across modalities including:
  • Interactive eLearning courses using Articulate Storyline (minimum 2 years of hands on experience).
  • Instructor led and virtual training materials
  • Microlearning, job aids, videos, and blended solutions
  • Utilize additional tools such as Articulate Rise, Vyond, InDesign, or other Adobe Creative Cloud applications as appropriate.
  • Ensure materials are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with basic WCAG 2.1 standards.   
• Technology & Platforms:
  • Publish and maintain learning content in LMS/LXP platforms.
  • Apply basic standards such as SCORM and/or xAPI when publishing content.
  • Troubleshoot course issues and collaborate with LMS administrators as needed.
  • Demonstrate willingness and ability to quickly learn new authoring tools and learning technologies.   
• Collaboration & Project Support:
  • Work collaboratively with project leads, SMEs, and peers to understand project goals, processes, and details while meeting timelines and quality standards.
  • Participate in design reviews, revisions, and quality assurance checks.
  • Lead effective meetings with SMEs/stakeholders to communicate progress, risks, and recommendations clearly and professionally.
  • Partners with Sr. Instructional Designer and Support Team for complex initiatives.
  • Maintain and update project and task status in Monday.com to manage workload effectively and ensure accurate tracking of learning assets within the content library.    
• Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:
  • Support evaluation of learning effectiveness through learner feedback, assessments, and completion data.
  • Update and improve content based on feedback, business changes, and performance insights.
  • Maintain version control and documentation for assigned learning assets.     
  • Professional Growth & Learning Mindset:
  • Demonstrate a strong aptitude for learning new content, tools, and instructional methods.
  • Stay informed about instructional design trends, emerging tools, and best practices.
  • Actively seek and apply feedback to improve design quality and efficiency.

Scope

• Staff supervision and development:  No
• Decision making: 
• Makes design decisions within defined standards; escalates risks or issues as appropriate.
• Travel:  Up to 5%
• Flex Designation:  Anywhere

The anticipated salary range for this position is $69,500 – $104,200 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, preferably in Education, Instructional Design, or related subject preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in an instructional design or learning development role, including at least 2 years of hands on experience using Articulate Storyline to build custom e learning. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new tools, systems, and subject matter, with experience developing digital learning solutions for corporate, customer service, or operational environments preferred.

Skills

• Required Skills:
  • Proficiency in Articulate Storyline (minimum 2 years).
  • Solid understanding of instructional design fundamentals and adult learning principles.
  • Strong written and visual communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • High learning agility and curiosity.
• Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with Vyond, InDesign, or other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
  • Familiarity with LMS platforms and e learning standards (SCORM/xAPI).
  • Exposure to accessibility and inclusive design practices.
  • Basic project coordination or agile development experience.
  • Core Competencies:
  • Learner Centered Design
  • Continuous Learning & Adaptability
  • Attention to Detail & Quality
  • Collaboration & Communication
  • Creative Problem Solving

Physical Requirements

Corporate – Remote – General office environment requiring ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time .
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing.
• Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
• The ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety

Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

About Harbor Freight Tools

We’re a 45 year-old, $8 billion national tool retailer with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth potential of a start-up. We have over 1,600 stores in 48 states across the country and are opening several new locations every week. We offer our customers more than 7,000 tools and accessories, from hand tools and generators to air and power tools, from shop equipment to automotive tools. We provide our customers with the right tool for the right job at the right price, always delivering quality and value.