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
Articulate 360
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 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.
Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees. Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.
$64,600.00 - $113,100.00Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Learning & Development, Education, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in instructional design
- Experience developing instructor-led training content and facilitator guides
- Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Graco Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Graco and has not been reviewed or approved by Graco.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a 401(k) with company contributions and other retirement tools. Feedback suggests these features are a standout element of the total rewards package.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity components such as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan and periodic stock grants provide accessible ownership opportunities. Feedback suggests these programs meaningfully enhance overall compensation.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is offered alongside company-paid disability and basic life insurance, with supplemental options available. Wellness, EAP, and mental-health resources add breadth to the healthcare offering.
Graco Insights
What We Do
Founded in 1926, Graco (NYSE:GGG) is a world leader in fluid handling systems and components. Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid materials. Graco maintains an aggressive strategy to design and develop new products and systems and distributes through a worldwide network of distributors and other channels. Graco is focused on expanding into new markets through product development and acquisitions.
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