Senior Manager, Learning and Workforce Development

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production.

Purpose

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 Role

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. 

Basic Qualifications

• 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. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 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. 

Work Environment

• 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. 

What We Offer:

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
• Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
• Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint. 

Equal Employment Opportunity
Divergent 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, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
EEO Poster 

In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected. 
 
E-Verify: Right to Work
Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)
 
Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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