Senior Manager, Learning and Workforce Development

At Divergent, our ability to scale advanced manufacturing for the Factory of the Future depends on one thing above all: people. 

We’re building an integrated learning ecosystem that empowers our workforce to thrive in the DAPS™ environment—combining Core Learning & Development (L&D), which equips our current teams for today’s challenges, with a new academy initiative designed to develop the next generation of DAPS-ready engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals. 

This model emphasizes accessible, accelerated, and experiential learning—where people can earn while they learn and build meaningful, future-ready careers in advanced manufacturing. 

The Senior Manager, Learning & Workforce Development will build the systems, programs, and partnerships that prepare people to thrive in the DAPS (Divergent Adaptive Production System) ecosystem. This leader will connect learning design, technology, and operations to deliver a capability pipeline that grows both the workforce and the business. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Build the DAPS Learning Framework: Design structured learning paths that accelerate the transition of engineers and technicians into DAPS-proficient professionals. 
• Lead Dual Initiatives: Advance Divergent’s Core L&D programs while developing the external academy initiative ultimately merging both into a unified capability platform. 
• Own Learning Systems: Oversee Divergent’s learning platforms, including evaluation and modernization of the current LMS (SafetyCulture), ensuring scalability, usability, and data integration. 
• Integrate Learning into Production: Partner with Engineering and Production to embed learning within DAPS workflows - making skill development a natural part of daily operations. 
• Innovate Learning Modalities: Leverage AI, simulation, AR/VR, and microlearning to deliver applied, high-retention learning experiences. 
• Develop Strategic Partnerships: Build relationships with universities, trade schools, and workforce programs to attract and prepare DAPS-ready talent. 
• Measure and Scale Impact: Define metrics that tie learning outcomes directly to production performance, quality, and readiness. 

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Learning & Development, Education, Organizational Development, Engineering, or related field. 
• Track-record of accomplishment in Learning & Development, Workforce Development, or Learning Program creation and leadership. 
• Proven ability to design and deliver large-scale learning initiatives with full ownership of scope, cost, and schedule. 
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design, and learning systems management. 
• Hands-on experience in LMS administration and management, including content deployment, user management, reporting, and optimization. 
• Demonstrated success collaborating with Production and Engineering teams to align learning with technical and operational outcomes. 
• Intellectual agility and a future-focused mindset—able to envision and implement innovative learning models that challenge conventional education pathways. 
• Fluency in modern learning modalities and the ability to design experiences that integrate technology, real-world application, and values-based development. 
• Curiosity, grit, and a track record of execution—someone who experiments, iterates, and builds with purpose. 
• Excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills. 

• Experience implementing or managing enterprise learning systems (LMS/LXP) and SCORM/xAPI standards, with a focus on performance, scalability, and user experience. 
• Hands-on experience with SafetyCulture or other EHS-oriented learning platforms, and the ability to evaluate and evolve learning tech stacks. 
• Practical understanding of simulation-based training, AR/VR learning tools, or AI-driven learning environments, and how to apply them for measurable outcomes. 
• Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships with educational institutions, workforce programs, or technology providers to accelerate talent readiness. 
• Experience designing or leading capability development programs in advanced manufacturing, engineering, or high-performance environments. 
• Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, or Organizational Development is a plus but not required. 
• Fluency in analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and the ability to turn data into actionable insight. 
• Bias for execution, creative problem solving, and a demonstrated ability to turn innovation into scalable systems that work. 

• This position is based in Torrance, CA, with flexibility for periodic remote work as project needs allow. 
• This role operates in a hybrid office and advanced manufacturing environment. While much of the work involves program design, stakeholder collaboration, and systems management, significant time will be spent on the factory floor to observe workflows, partner with production teams, and embed learning into real-world operations. 
• Work may involve exposure to dust, airborne particulates, and materials that present combustion risk. Proper use of company-issued uniforms and PPE (including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and respirators) is required when in production areas. The environment includes noise, vibration, and hot surfaces typical of an active manufacturing facility. 
• This is a full-time, exempt position. Occasional extended hours, weekends, or travel may be required to meet program milestones or support production schedules.