Technical Trainer in Shelton, Connecticut at Sperry Rail, Inc.

About Sperry:

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work collaboratively to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as the unparalleled market leader.

For nearly a century, we have repeatedly modernized and improved rail diagnostics through our relentless pursuit of improvement. Determined is an understatement. We are obsessed with advancing science and raising the bar on what’s possible with our ever-improving suite of products and service offerings.

Emboldened through the shared values of honesty, accountability, passion, integrity, and teamwork, we are driven by the challenge and bridging concepts with fruition. Each technologist entering Sperry imprints themselves into our brand and further galvanizes a culture of innovation and advancement. Allow us to be clear, Thought Leaders are welcome!

We are agile and hungry and invite those with similar passions to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to the market. Fast-paced, high-touch with a distinct sense of purpose. We offer more than a job; we offer an opportunity to be part of something different.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Deliver and support the ongoing development of training programs and curriculum for Chief Operators, Drivers, Analysis personnel, customers, and employees requiring refresher or remedial training in Shelton, in the field, and at international locations. Deliver classroom, practical, digital, and field-based instruction using modern training methods designed to strengthen knowledge retention, technical competency, and on-the-job performance.

Support the continuous improvement and modernization of training programs by evaluating instructional effectiveness, trainee performance, emerging technologies, field feedback, and operational needs. Assist with the development and enhancement of course content, instructional materials, assessments, and training delivery methods.

Administer the Certification Hub and maintain compliance with required inspection certifications, railroad credentials, and training records. Monitor trainee progress, assess development needs, and partner with field management to address training gaps and support progression through established qualification and certification pathways. Provide new hire training coverage as required.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

·Deliver classroom, virtual, practical, and field-based instruction on rail flaw detection techniques, principles, methodologies, equipment, safety requirements, and related operational practices.

·Apply effective instructional practices using a variety of training methods, including presentations, demonstrations, interactive exercises, scenario-based learning, simulations, videos, digital content, and hands-on practice.

·Conduct practical demonstrations and exercises involving the operation of rail flaw detection equipment and the identification, interpretation, and assessment of track flaws.

·Incorporate real-world operational scenarios, case studies, and problem-solving exercises to strengthen technical judgment and decision-making skills.

·Reinforce learning through short-form training, refresher modules, knowledge checks, and microlearning techniques where appropriate.

· Administer qualification, technical, and safety examinations and practical assessments.

·Evaluate trainee competency through written assessments, practical demonstrations, observations, and established performance standards.

·Maintain standards of academic performance, conduct, and participation, providing coaching and counseling to trainees as required.

· Report trainee progress, training concerns, and program recommendations to the Global Training Manager.

· Promote Sperry’s culture, safety expectations, trainee success, technical excellence, and quality standards.

· Maintain training facilities, instructional technology, equipment, and training materials in good working order.

·Remain current on developments in rail flaw detection technologies, non-destructive testing practices, instructional methods, learning technologies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

· Support the design, development, and ongoing modernization of the Sperry School of Rail Testing curriculum.

·Develop and update instructor-led materials, practical exercises, job aids, videos, digital learning content, assessments, and other instructional resources.

·Identify opportunities to incorporate digital, self-paced, video-based, microlearning, simulation, and blended-learning approaches into the curriculum.

·Incorporate lessons learned from field operations, quality findings, safety observations, technical changes, customer feedback, and trainee performance into training content.

· Evaluate training effectiveness using trainee performance, assessment results, field feedback, operational outcomes, and other available training metrics.

· Recommend improvements to curriculum content, delivery methods, training duration, sequencing, and instructional tools to improve knowledge retention, technical competency, and trainee readiness.

·Support structured learning pathways that integrate classroom instruction, digital learning, hands-on practice, field experience, certification, and ongoing proficiency validation.

·Support the development of refresher and remedial training programs to address identified performance, competency, safety, or technical knowledge gaps.

· Travel to domestic and international locations to deliver classroom, practical, field-based, and blended technical training.

·Deliver customer training on applicable Sperry technologies, equipment, testing methodologies, and related technical topics as required.

·Adapt training delivery, as appropriate, to accommodate regional operating requirements, customer requirements, regulations, equipment, and participant experience levels.

· Conduct Canadian Operator training when classes require qualification to operate in Canada.

· Support consistent global training standards while recognizing applicable regional and customer requirements.

·Administer the training and certification hub and coordinate with field personnel to maintain compliance with required railroad credentials, inspection certifications, safety qualifications, and other required training.

· Maintain accurate and timely training and certification records in Rippling and other applicable systems.

· Regularly review certification status and identify upcoming expirations, missing requirements, and compliance gaps.

· Coordinate with field management and employees to ensure required certifications and credentials remain current.

· Support the development and maintenance of defined certification and qualification pathways for operational positions.

· Partner with field management to ensure employees progress through required training, field experience, competency validation, and certification milestones.

· Monitor trainee progress throughout classroom, practical, digital, and field-based stages of training.

·Evaluate trainee readiness for advancement or promotion against job requirements, competency standards, training metrics, and demonstrated performance.

·Identify individual development gaps and recommend targeted coaching, refresher or remedial training, additional practice, or field experience.

·Coordinate with field management and trainers to ensure field-based training meets required standards and follows the established curriculum.

·Use trainee performance data and feedback to identify recurring learning gaps and recommend improvements to curriculum or instruction.

· Provide coaching and developmental feedback designed to improve trainee confidence, technical competency, and long-term success.

· Provide coverage for the new hire training function as required.

·Train new hires on required railroad certifications, railroad terminology, maintenance fundamentals, safety requirements, and expectations for working on and around track.

· Provide instruction using a combination of classroom, digital, scenario-based, and practical training methods.

· Conduct driving observations and assessments for new hire Drivers as required.

· Reinforce safe work practices, professional conduct, and expectations for field assignments and customer environments.

Perform other duties as assigned, with or without reasonable accommodation.

· Previous classroom, technical, field, or hands-on training experience strongly preferred.

·Chief Operator testing experience with practical knowledge of ultrasonic and electromagnetic rail testing methods (preferred).

·Strong working knowledge of rail flaw detection operations, equipment, testing practices, and field requirements (preferred).

· BS/BA a plus

· ASNT Level II certification in Ultrasonic Testing (ability to pass certification within the first 90 days).

· CDL (ability to pass certification within the first 120 days).

·Demonstrated ability to communicate and teach technical information effectively to individuals with varying levels of experience and learning styles.

·Experience developing, updating, or delivering instructional materials, practical exercises, assessments, and training resources.

· Ability to coach, mentor, assess, and provide constructive feedback to trainees.

·Knowledge of, or willingness to develop expertise in, blended learning, digital learning, simulation, microlearning, scenario-based training, and other modern instructional techniques.

· Strong written, verbal, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills.

· Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate training, qualification, and certification records.

· Ability to evaluate trainee performance, identify development needs, and recommend appropriate coaching, refresher, or remedial training.

· Commitment to trainee development, continuous learning, and instructional improvement.

· Adaptability to changing operational requirements, training technologies, equipment, and instructional methods.

·Commitment to ongoing professional development in training methodology, instructional technology, rail testing, and non-destructive testing techniques.

· Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

· Reports to the Global Training Manager.

·Interacts with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization, including field management, Operations, Safety, Engineering, Analysis, technical personnel, instructors, trainees, and other departments.

·Interacts with customers and other external stakeholders in connection with technical training programs as required.

·Works collaboratively across departments to ensure training programs support operational, technical, safety, quality, certification, customer, and workforce development requirements.

·The effectiveness of this position directly influences employee competency, qualification readiness, operational performance, safety, quality, customer service, and the Company’s ability to deploy qualified personnel.

Work is primarily performed at the Shelton training facility and office. The position also requires field-based training and evaluation, observation of trainers and trainees, domestic and international travel, and participation in regional safety or operational meetings. Training may be conducted in classroom, shop, field, railroad, virtual, customer, and other operational environments.

·Adhere to and reinforce all Company safety policies, procedures, railroad requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

·Integrate safety expectations, hazard recognition, situational awareness, and safe work practices throughout classroom, practical, and field-based training.

·Incorporate comprehensive in-house and field safety training into the Chief Operator Class and other applicable training programs.

·Use practical exercises and realistic scenarios to reinforce safe decision-making and appropriate responses to operational hazards.

·Immediately report observed safety violations, unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, or fault conditions in accordance with Company procedures.