Job Description

Job Location ATDM National Training Center - Danville, VA 24540 Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Travel Percentage Up to 25% Job Shift Any Job Category Education

Due to the nature of the work performed, only U.S. citizens will be considered for this position. This role is not eligible for remote work and will be based onsite in Danville, Virginia.

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. The mission will be accomplished through applied research, advanced learning, economic development, advanced manufacturing, and conference services. Driving Economic Transformation is at the heart of everything we do at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. WE discover breakthroughs, create opportunity, grow innovation, power progress, and host greatness. Each of our divisions plays a critical role in preserving and delivering this mission daily.

About the Role
The Technical Specialist, CNC & Additive Manufacturing is the subject matter expert responsible for leading and advancing CNC and additive manufacturing programs within the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) organization. This role ensures instructional alignment, equipment readiness, curriculum integrity, and student throughput to prepare graduates for careers in defense manufacturing.

With a strong emphasis on safety and quality, this role drives projects and initiatives that support organizational goals while staying informed on industry trends and internal processes to influence program success. Key responsibilities include promoting continuous improvement, curriculum innovation, and workforce development strategies, ensuring the hands-on training environment meets quality, safety, and stakeholder expectations.

The position requires delivering detailed technical communication and high-level project updates to ATDM leadership. The ideal candidate is organized, disciplined, and self-motivated, capable of managing multiple priorities across operations and engineering. This role also serves as the primary interface with customers and stakeholders for CNC and additive manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures CNC & Additive Manufacturing programs maintain a focus on safety and quality.

• Subject matter expert responsible for leading, overseeing, and advancing the CNC & Additive Manufacturing instructional programs within the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) initiative.

• Serves as the primary contact for technical issues that arise within the CNC & Additive Manufacturing programs.

• Oversees the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of training curriculum in alignment with industry-recognized standards (e.g., NIMS, MSSC) and DoD workforce requirements.

• Ensures lab facilities, equipment, and instructional tools are maintained in optimal working conditions and support high-fidelity, hands-on learning experiences while operating in accordance with safety and instructional best practices.

• Guides instructional staff on best practices for lab safety, equipment operation, and student engagement.

• Supports, manages, and influences continuous improvement of product/solution development lifecycle process, practices and initiatives.

• Implements quality assurance protocols to support training effectiveness and student outcomes.

• Provides technical leadership in CNC & Additive Manufacturing and applicable safety standards.

• Monitors student performance and facilitate continuous improvement based on outcome data and employer feedback.

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to support shared projects and strategic goals across ATDM’s lines of effort.

Work Location

We are looking for staff to work onsite in Danville, VA.

The Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Materials Science, or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in design, sustaining, or manufacturing engineering.

• Demonstrated experience with CNC machining and/or additive manufacturing.

• Familiarity with industrial safety standards and lab operations.

• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications:

• Strong communication, project management, and team leadership skills.

• Ability to lead, motivate and direct a workgroup.

• Ability to work effectively with senior management, customers, and stakeholders.

• Strong organizational and planning skills.

• Ability to partner effectively with peers.

Preferred

Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with the defense manufacturing sector.

• Knowledge of DoD workforce readiness frameworks or occupational standards.

• Instructional or curriculum development experience in a technical education setting.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to operate and manipulate a keyboard.
• Must be able to move from building to building, with limited travel.
• Light physical work may be required.
• Some travel may be required.

Salary & Benefits

IALR will offer salary that is commensurate with your experience. IALR offers unique career opportunities in an innovative environment, all to support the economic transformation of Southern Virginia. Eligible employees are afforded excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage with lower-than-expected costs and participate in the Virginia Retirement System to save for their future.

IALR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact hr@ialr.org. Requests will be kept confidential and handled in accordance with applicable laws.