Job Description

Located in the heart of Modesto, California, VOLT Institute is an award-winning, industry-led trade school dedicated to preparing students for high-demand careers in manufacturing and supporting professionals with continued skill development. VOLT offers accelerated, hands-on training in a wide range of technical areas, including Industrial Maintenance Mechanics, Electro-Mechanics, Smart Controls and PLCs, Robotics, and Mechatronics.

Programs are built on Amatrol’s industry-leading training systems and aligned with national standards such as SACA, NIMS, and MSSC. With flexible scheduling, mobile training through “VOLT on the Go,” and strong partnerships with local industry, VOLT empowers learners of all experience levels to gain the skills and certifications needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Joining VOLT as an instructor means becoming part of a mission-driven team committed to transforming lives and strengthening the regional economy.

Position Description:

The Senior Advanced Manufacturing Instructor will lead VOLT’s industry-focused training programs. This role involves coaching Industry 4.0 skills to repair, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced manufacturing machinery, focusing on PLC programming, automation, mechatronics, robotics, process controls, instrumentation, and smart controls systems. The instructor will teach at various levels, from introductory to advanced, while providing hands-on, industry-relevant training at industrial work sites using Amatrol’s portable training systems and curriculum. The Senior Advanced Manufacturing Instructor will support instructor and student credentialing from SACA, NIMS, MSSC, and other industry-recognized organizations.

In addition to instruction, the Senior Advanced Manufacturing Instructor will mentor students, ensuring they gain practical, technical skills to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. The role requires collaboration with industry partners to keep the curriculum aligned with emerging technologies, ensuring students are equipped with high-demand skills in smart controls, advanced manufacturing systems, and troubleshooting.

Duties & Responsibilities

Advanced Manufacturing Training Program Delivery

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and VOLT’s industry advisory committee to develop and evolve VOLT’s advanced manufacturing training program portfolio.
• Lead the delivery of smart controls troubleshooting programs for incumbent employees, ensuring high-quality, industry-relevant training.
• Deliver SACA-aligned training in PLC programming, smart controls, automation, mechatronics, robotics, and process controls at various levels (introductory, intermediate, and advanced).
• Utilize Amatrol training equipment to provide hands-on training experiences.
• Deliver electro-mechanics foundational training on-site and through VOLT on the Go mobile programs.
• Provide mobile training by setting up equipment at various work sites.
• Follow and implement industry-aligned curricula to ensure training outcomes are met.
• Manage classrooms that simulate real-world work environments, adhering to industry attendance and break time standards.

Technical Leadership and Certification Management

• Serve as the technical lead and advocate for advanced manufacturing capabilities at VOLT Institute.
• Earn and maintain industry-recognized skill certifications, including SACA Gold certifications, and certify other instructors and students.
• Manage logistics for training programs, including coordinating travel for training sessions.
• Maintain and update training schedules for multiple advanced manufacturing programs.
• Maintain digital training records and report on program progress, student performance, and overall program status.
• Evaluate student performance, assess skill demonstrations, and grade tests for advanced manufacturing skills.
• Support the achievement of training KPIs and student outcomes.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously to ensure effective program delivery.
• Maintain a proactive and flexible approach to handling unexpected tasks or projects.

Industry Partnerships and Continuous Improvement

• Foster relationships with industry partners and develop customized training programs based on their needs.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve the efficiency and sustainability of training programs.
• Report on program effectiveness, suggest improvements in curriculum and delivery, and recommend process enhancements.

Inventory, Equipment Management, and Maintenance

• Track and maintain an inventory of training equipment, ensuring timely ordering and repairs.
• Maintain and repair VOLT’s Amatrol equipment to ensure operational readiness without notice.

General Duties

• Present a positive view of Opportunity Stanislaus and VOLT Institute to the community.
• May drive or fly on company business.
• Comply with all Opportunity Stanislaus/VOLT Institute policies and procedures, including but not limited to workplace safety, reporting work-related injuries, infection control, and preventing potential safety risks for staff, clients, and others.
• Regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at Opportunity Stanislaus. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled and be prepared to start working.
• The list of job duties and requirements is not exhaustive. Management may assign additional duties at its discretion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to tailor the curriculum to industry needs in advanced manufacturing.
• Create an interactive learning environment to ensure course goals and objectives are achieved.
• Effective Trainer who can teach students utilizing course content, humor, and various instructional strategies to ensure each student achieves the learning goals.
• Ability to evaluate students’ learning attainment, coach skills, and proactively recommend adjustments when goals are not consistently attained.
• Strong classroom leadership skills with the capacity to manage students, class time, and course training materials.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and associated products.
• Proficient in learning topics related to advanced manufacturing, including introductory through advanced Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting, electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, process controls, pneumatics, motor control, process control, variable frequency drives, smart sensors, I/O Link communications, and more.
• Proficient in learning topics related to automation, robotics, and mechatronics.
• Proficient in the use of computers and various software, including Rockwell software packages, Adobe PDFs, and Microsoft Office.
• Solid time management and organization skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and take the initiative to complete all tasks in a timely manner.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Team player.
• Courteous, professional, and enthusiastic.
• Bilingual is preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, industrial technology, or a related field OR ten (10) years of progressive experience in instrumentation and controls or a related field.
• Certificate in automation, robotics, and mechatronics or equivalent.
• 5 years of experience with PLC programming, automation, robotics, and mechatronics in an industrial environment is strongly desired.
• Experience as a trainer, supervisor, and/or team leader in an industrial environment is strongly desired.
• Valid Class C driver’s license and ability to travel to meetings and training off-site.

Physical and Environmental Conditions and Demands:

• Indoors in a typical manufacturing environment with some exposure to moderate noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of the time.
• Frequent computer use at workstations up to two hours at a time.
• Frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• Responsibilities may require an adjusted work schedule and evening/weekend hours in order to accommodate training schedules.
• May occasionally move (walk or drive) from one work location to another.
• Attendance and punctuality.
• Mobility within the office.
• Mobility within the facility, including movement up and down stairs.
• Ability to work in hot and cold environments.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to drive a vehicle.

Compensation:

• Pay is based on experience.
• Health Benefits (medical, vision, and dental) the first month following (60) days of continuous full-time employment.
• 401K option is available after one year of continuous employment.
• Wellness and Volunteer Program.
• Generous PTO Policy.

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