Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for E-Learning Engineer
💰 $85,000 - $145,000
🎯 Role Definition
Are you passionate about the intersection of technology and education? We are searching for a highly skilled and innovative E-Learning Engineer to join our forward-thinking team. In this pivotal role, you will be the architect of our digital learning experiences, responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the cutting-edge technology infrastructure that powers our entire learning ecosystem. You will transform instructional design concepts into functional, engaging, and scalable online learning solutions, ensuring our learners have access to the best possible educational tools. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of learning within our organization and make a tangible impact on professional development.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Instructional Technologist or Designer with a strong technical focus
- Front-End or Full-Stack Developer with an interest in EdTech
- LMS Administrator or Learning Systems Analyst
- Multimedia Developer for learning content
Advancement To:
- Senior or Lead E-Learning Engineer
- Learning Technology Manager or Director
- Learning Systems Architect
- Product Manager, EdTech Solutions
Lateral Moves:
- Learning Experience (LX) Designer
- Solutions Architect (Learning & HR Systems)
- Data Scientist (Learning Analytics)
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Design, develop, and deploy scalable, interactive, and accessible web-based learning applications and custom e-learning modules using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Architect, implement, and manage the full technical stack for our learning platforms, including the Learning Management System (LMS) and Learning Experience Platform (LXP).
- Serve as the primary technical expert on learning standards, including SCORM, AICC, xAPI (Tin Can), and LTI, ensuring all content and platforms are compliant and interoperable.
- Develop custom APIs and manage integrations between the LMS and other enterprise systems such as HRIS, CRM, and single sign-on (SSO) solutions.
- Engineer and maintain the learning data pipeline, implementing xAPI-based data collection strategies to capture rich learning analytics for reporting and personalization.
- Prototype, build, and test new learning interactions, simulations, and gamified elements to drive learner engagement and knowledge retention.
- Lead the technical evaluation, selection, and implementation of new learning technologies, authoring tools, and third-party content providers.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to e-learning content, platform performance, and system integrations, providing expert-level support.
- Collaborate closely with instructional designers to consult on the technical feasibility of creative concepts and translate storyboards into functional, polished learning experiences.
- Develop and maintain custom themes, plugins, and configurations for our core learning platforms (e.g., Moodle, Cornerstone, Docebo) to meet specific business needs.
- Optimize the performance, security, and user experience of our digital learning environment across desktop and mobile devices.
- Author and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for learning systems, integrations, and development best practices.
- Implement and enforce accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) across all custom-developed and vendor-provided learning solutions.
- Manage version control for all custom code and e-learning project source files using tools like Git.
- Automate repetitive administrative tasks and content deployment workflows through scripting and CI/CD pipelines.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to provide insights into learning program effectiveness.
- Contribute to the organization's broader learning technology strategy, roadmap, and governance framework.
- Collaborate with cross-functional business units to translate their unique learning needs into robust technical and engineering requirements.
- Participate actively in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the learning technology team.
- Mentor junior technologists and instructional designers on technical best practices and the capabilities of our learning stack.
- Conduct research on emerging trends in educational technology, such as AI-driven personalization, adaptive learning, and VR/AR applications.
- Manage vendor relationships for learning technology platforms, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met and product roadmaps align with our goals.
- Create and deliver technical training sessions for content creators and administrators on how to effectively use our learning tools and platforms.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Front-End Development: Expert-level proficiency in HTML5, CSS3, and modern JavaScript (ES6+), including experience with frameworks like React, Vue.js, or Angular.
- E-Learning Authoring: Advanced skills in major authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline 360, Rise, and Adobe Captivate, including the ability to extend them with custom code.
- LMS/LXP Administration: Deep experience administering, customizing, and integrating enterprise-level Learning Management Systems (e.g., Cornerstone, Docebo, Moodle, Canvas, Degreed).
- Learning Standards: In-depth knowledge of and practical experience with SCORM (1.2/2004), xAPI (Tin Can), cmi5, and LTI standards for content interoperability and data tracking.
- API & Integrations: Proven ability to work with RESTful APIs and webhooks to integrate learning systems with other enterprise applications (e.g., HRIS, Slack, Salesforce).
- Database Management: Familiarity with SQL and/or NoSQL databases for managing learning data and running complex queries.
- Cloud & DevOps: Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and CI/CD concepts for deploying and managing learning applications.
- Version Control: Proficiency with Git and platforms like GitHub or GitLab for collaborative code management.
- Learning Analytics: Experience setting up Learning Record Stores (LRS) and using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Watershed LRS to visualize learning data.
- Accessibility: Strong understanding of WCAG 2.1 guidelines and experience in building and auditing accessible digital content.
Soft Skills
- Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to devise innovative technical solutions to complex instructional challenges.
- Collaboration & Communication: Excellent ability to work with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex ideas clearly.
- Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from conception to deployment.
- Analytical Thinking: A data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze learning data to inform technical and design decisions.
- Learner Empathy: A genuine focus on the end-user experience, ensuring solutions are intuitive, engaging, and effective.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to learn and adopt new technologies and methodologies.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
Preferred Education:
- Master's degree in Educational Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Educational Technology / Instructional Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in a learning technology, e-learning development, or front-end engineering role with a focus on educational products.
Preferred:
- Experience in a corporate Learning & Development (L&D) environment.
- A portfolio showcasing custom e-learning projects, web-based learning tools, or complex interactions.
- Proven track record of managing and launching major learning technology platform implementations or migrations.
- Experience building personalized or adaptive learning paths using code and platform logic.