Director, Product SME Advanced Manufacturing

ABOUT PER SCHOLAS:

For 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive mobility and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we're forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 30,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

PerScholas hires within the following states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, WA

 

POSITION TITLE: Director, Product SME Advanced Manufacturing

Location: Remote (with travel to advanced manufacturing sites as needed, approximately 15-20%)

Reports To: Senior Director, Strategy & Product Design

Employment type: Fulltime

 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are seeking an experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) & Curriculum Developer with hands-on advanced manufacturing experience to design and develop scalable training solutions and instructor resources for skilled trades roles in the manufacturing sector.

This role blends:

• Technical expertise in maintenance operations
• Content development skills
• Digital innovation

You will support the creation of comprehensive hybrid learning models for roles such as:

• Maintenance Technicians
• Maintenance Trainees
• Industrial Electromechanics

This is a highly collaborative position requiring direct engagement with plant leaders, technical subject matter experts (SMEs), community college partners, and external training organizations to create repeatable, data-informed, competency-based, and industry-aligned training programs and instructor resources for our national advanced manufacturing partners.

 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Discovery & Industry Analysis (20%)

Field Research & Needs Assessment:

• Conduct comprehensive field research and site visits to advanced manufacturing plants to analyze training needs and industry requirements
• Shadow existing maintenance training programs (outside of Per Scholas) to identify competency gaps, training strengths, and scalability opportunities
• Benchmark industry best practices across multiple manufacturing sectors and geographic regions
• Analyze job market trends and emerging technologies affecting maintenance roles

Competency Mapping & Standards Development:

• Map detailed technical competencies for skilled trades roles based on extensive industry analysis and employer input
• Translate technical competencies into structured, teachable learning modules
• Develop industry-aligned competency standards and/or certification requirements
• Create career pathway documentation and advancement frameworks
• Design competency frameworks that support multi-level career progression, including a structured path from entry-level trainee roles to certified Maintenance Technicians.
• Create detailed course outlines, learning objectives, and competency maps aligned with industry standards and employer requirements

Technology & Equipment Specification:

• Research and specify training equipment, tools, and technologies necessary for comprehensive program delivery
• Develop laboratory design specifications, equipment procurement guides, and setup documentation, if necessary
• Evaluate emerging educational technologies and recommend integration strategies
• Create technology implementation guides and instructor training materials
• Research and specif