Job Details
Job Location: ATDM National Training Center - Danville, VA
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: 4 Year Degree
Salary Range: Undisclosed
Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
Job Shift: Any
Job Category: Education
Description
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 Engineering Manager, Welding & NDT is responsible for leading and advancing the welding and nondestructive testing instructional programs within the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) initiative. This position oversees instructors, lab technicians, instructional alignment, equipment readiness, student throughput, and curriculum integrity to ensure that students are fully prepared for careers in defense manufacturing.
This role provides subject matter expertise in welding and NDT processes, safety practices, and instructional quality. The Engineering Manager contributes to continuous improvement efforts, curriculum innovation, and workforce development strategies while ensuring the hands-on training environment meets quality, safety, and stakeholder expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support Welding and NDT instructors and lab technicians to deliver high-impact, job-aligned training.
- Oversee curriculum design and alignment with industry standards (e.g., AWS, ASNT) and defense manufacturing requirements.
- Ensure welding bays and NDT labs are equipped, maintained, and operated in accordance with safety and instructional best practices.
- Implement quality assurance protocols to support training effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Provide technical leadership in welding processes, visual and volumetric NDT methods, and applicable safety standards.
- Guide instructional staff on best practices for lab safety, equipment operation, and student engagement.
- Monitor student performance and facilitate continuous improvement based on outcome data and employer feedback.
- Collaborate 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.
Qualifications
The Ideal Candidate
- Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Technology, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in welding, NDT, or related technical instruction or engineering.
- Demonstrated experience with welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW) and NDT methods (VT, PT, MT, UT, RT).
- Strong communication, project management, and team leadership skills.
- Familiarity with industrial safety and technical training environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in or with the defense manufacturing sector.
- Certification from AWS (CWI) or ASNT (Level II or III).
- Knowledge of DoD workforce readiness frameworks or occupational standards.
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.
