Instructional Design Specialist

Join Atlas Air Worldwide. Move the World with Us!

At Atlas Air Worldwide, we’re not just an airline, we’re a global engine powering cargo, passenger, and leasing operations across more than 70 countries. As a leader in outsourced aviation logistics, we’re built on a foundation of safety, service excellence, integrity, innovation, teamwork, and responsibility.  With over 30 years of history, a modern all-Boeing fleet, and nearly 5,000 teammates collaborating across operations, technical, and corporate functions, we’re driven by purpose. 

If you’re ready to grow, innovate, and help us deliver excellence every single day, you belong here.

Position Summary: 

The Instructional Design Specialist is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of crewmember training curriculum within Flight Operations Training and the Atlas Air organization, as assigned. This role ensures instructional content is operationally aligned, regulatory compliant, and effectively integrated across fleets and training systems. The position also supports coordination of training initiatives to ensure structured execution of curriculum updates and program enhancements in a highly regulated environment.

Major Job Accountabilities:

  • Design, develop, and maintain crewmember training curriculum, including instructor guides, syllabi, lesson plans, learning objectives, and supporting materials.
  • Apply Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodologies, including ADDIE principles, to create measurable, performance-based training solutions.
  • Translate subject matter expert (SME) technical input into structured, learner-focused instructional materials.
  • Develop content across multiple delivery platforms, including instructor-led training, virtual instruction, computer-based modules, and blended learning formats.
  • Ensure all instructional content aligns with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), company manuals, policies, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
  • Maintain curriculum documentation standards, version control, and regulatory traceability.
  • Analyze training data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Assist in establishing and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure training performance and operational impact.
  • Prepare reports and documentation supporting internal and external audits.
  • Maintain required documentation within training recordkeeping and compliance systems.
  • Coordinate assigned training initiatives, including curriculum revisions, regulatory-driven updates, and system enhancements.
  • Support development and tracking of project timelines and implementation milestones.
  • Facilitate cross-functional communication among Training, Fleet Leadership, Scheduling, Records, IT, and Compliance stakeholders.
  • Assist with structured rollout of curriculum updates to ensure minimal operational disruption.
  • Perform duties as assigned by the Senior Manager, Publications and E-Learning

Qualifications:

  • Four (4) year degree in Education, Instructional Design, Aviation or equivalent work experience is required.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of training-related work experience is a plus.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Articulate360, and Microsoft Office360 is required.
  • Practical experience using Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodologies
  • Practical experience working with technical training subjects and compliance training is a plus
  • Certifications from various Instructional Design organizations or associations are preferred:
    • Association of Talent Development (ATD) Certified Professional in Learning Development (CPLP)/Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
    • International Society of Performance Improvement (ISPI) Certified Performance Technologist (CPT)
    • Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP)
    • American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA), Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) certification
  • Working knowledge of the FARs and Advisory Circulars is a plus.

Special demands:

  • Minimum 5% travel required
  • Must be flexible and able to work various hours and weekends
  • Must have no restrictions on domestic and international travel requirements

Skills:

  • Exceptional communication skills (e.g., verbal, written, and listening), with the ability to communicate complex processes to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to prioritize and cope with shifting demands.
  • Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
  • Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Strong technical coaching skills.
  • Excellent technical writing skills. Attention to detail and innovation are critical parts of this role.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to afford equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, place of birth, age, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law document by clicking “EEO Is The Law” .

To view our Pay Transparency Statement, please click here: Pay Transparency Statement

Competitive compensation will be offered based on a variety of factors, including a candidate’s experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity and other factors. In addition, a range of benefits to include medical, dental and vision insurance, employee assistance program, as well as generous paid time off, and 401K contributions are offered as a part of the total compensation package.

Pay Range

$70,500 – $95,500 USD

At Atlas Air Worldwide, we believe in the power of people, the promise of innovation, and the responsibility we hold to each other, to our customers, and to the planet. Join us and be part of a team that lifts more than cargo; we lift ambition.

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