Product Associate, Virtual Training Center

Product Associate, Virtual Training Center 

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.  

+ About MxD  

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.   

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected.  Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees.  MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation.   

+ Position Overview 

MxD is seeking a Product Associate to support the MxD Learn Virtual Training Center (VTC) for a duration of two (2) years, with a possible extension based on funding. The VTC is a digital learning platform that provides manufacturers, educators, students, workers, employers, and other stakeholders with resources for training, recruitment, workforce development, and professional learning. The platform helps organizations recruit and develop talent, adopt advanced technologies, and strengthen workforce capabilities across the manufacturing ecosystem and supply chain. 

Reporting to the Product Manager of MxD Learn, the Product Associate supports the ongoing development, operation, and enhancement of the platform. Working closely with cross-functional teams, this role supports product operations, VTC administration, content coordination, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to deliver a high-quality learning experience. This position is well suited for someone who enjoys working with users and technology, solving problems, and supporting digital products in a collaborative environment. Candidates should have an interest in learning management systems and preferably in manufacturing or workforce development. 

+ Position Responsibilities 

• Support execution of the MxD Learn VTC product roadmap by managing day-to-day product operations and administrative activities. 

• Coordinate with internal teams, vendors, content providers, and stakeholders to support product initiatives and learning programs. 

• Configure, publish, and maintain digital courses, microsites, and virtual learning resources in the VTC. 

• Manage enrollments, user accounts, permissions, course settings, content updates, and course listing. 

• Administer system integrations and APIs to support system functionality. 

• Monitor LMS performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with vendors or internal teams as needed. 

• Provide technical support, in conjunction with IT, to learners and internal stakeholders. 

• Conduct quality assurance (QA) reviews of courses and MxD Learn VTC functionality. 

• Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, and QA checklists. 

• Develop reports on learner participation, progress, completion, and assessment outcomes. 

• Support onboarding and coordination of content providers and strategic partners. 

• Collaborate with Strategic Communications team to promote MxD Learn offerings. 

• Research partnership, conference, and speaking opportunities to increase program awareness. 

• Ad hoc duties as assigned. 

+ Position Requirements 

• High School diploma or GED  

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, Information Technology, or commensurate experience in related field, preferred 

• 1 to 2 years of related experience in supporting a learning management system or similar digital learning platform preferred  

• Experience administering an LMS platform, such as Absorb, a plus  

• Experience working in a research, engineering, product development, and/or manufacturing environment is a plus  

• Proficiency with MS Office 

• Strong interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills  

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills  

• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment   

• Must be available to work onsite at least 1 to 2 days per week  

Salary Range:  $58,727 to $74,289 

How to Apply  

• Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting.   

Work with Us   

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.  

• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.  

• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.  

Flexible Work Policy   

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.  

Equal Opportunity Employer  

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.   

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.  

Accommodations Statement   

• We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us.   

Accommodations Include:   

• Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at PC@mxdusa.org. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process.   

• Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience.   

• Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.