Lighting Designer - Entry Level (Summer 2026)

If you think your skills, experience and aspirations make you a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply.    ABOUT THE ROLE This entry-level position will be a member of our multi-disciplinary team and will work under the direct supervision of our lighting team leader. Projects include new construction and renovation in many different markets, including educational, healthcare, sports, corporate commercial and science and technology.   Click here to learn more about our Engineering practice
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Under direct supervision, participate in the preparation of basic construction documents and specifications of lighting and control systems.
• Under direct supervision, design lighting and controls systems for healthcare, education and commercial clients.
• Develop ability to analyze lighting and engineering documents and layout systems.
• Develop knowledge of electrical and energy codes, as well as IES recommendations, and apply to lighting and control system design. 
• Under limited supervision, perform illuminance and lighting power density calculations and complete ComCheck/other record documents such as documentation for rebates/incentives, LEED/WELL certification, and other project-required records.
• Recommend improvements with reference standards and processes to improve quality, coordination, and to streamline production efforts.
• Assist in the review and mark up of shop drawings and submittals.
• Assist in gathering information to respond to RFI’s and review of change orders in the preparation of construction documents.
• Assist in visiting job sites to verify existing conditions and observe construction progress.  Site visits frequently require a physical walk-through of site.
• Must be willing to perform overtime work.
• May perform other related tasks as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related degree by hire date.
• Coursework in building systems engineering or architecture strongly preferred.
• Related student internship work experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to effectively handle multiple projects/tasks.
• Experience in computer applications for engineering design programs (i.e. Revit MEP, AGI, ElumTools, ComCheck) preferred.
• Proficiency in graphic design and image editing software (Adobe Creative Suite).
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Excel, PPT required. Proficiency in Bluebeam, Teams, Trello, Procore + Miro preferred.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED The salary range for this position to be filled in the Chicago, IL office is $24.57 to $30.72 annually. This salary range is the range we believe is the anticipated range of possible base compensation at the timing of the posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the anticipated salary range for the position. Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses. We offer a full benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage and flexible spending account options and voluntary insurances. We have paid time off, flex-time schedules, remote work options and a 401k plan and employee perk programs. For a general overview of our benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.cannondesign.com/careers/benefits. Actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level.     ABOUT OUR FIRM CannonDesign is a design practice where strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact converge. We don’t just dream up solutions — we create and bring them to life in ways to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our clients and the society. At the heart of everything we do is Living-Centered Design, a bold commitment to using our talents to not just improve the world but to truly reshape it for the better. It’s more than a philosophy — it’s who we are, and it drives us to make a meaningful, lasting difference every day.   ABOUT WORKING HERE

• We are relentless in our pursuit of client adoration (not simply satisfaction). Consistent delivery of the best service is what we are about.
• We are committed to ensuring our practice provides equal opportunities for all employees, as we strive to connect with communities around us and focus on the future of design. We support equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts that benefit all employees through the leadership of our DEI Council, our Employee Resource Groups which are open to everyone, and other community initiatives.
• We’re about communication and transparency here. If you want to talk to someone about an idea you have, or a challenge that needs addressing, we’re ready for you.

  Please note that candidates can only apply to our positions on our company Careers site. It's not uncommon for scammers to create positions that look legitimate on other sites; never enter your information or apply for CannonDesign positions on any platform. Should an issue arise that you feel we should be aware of, please contact us. Please provide your resume and portfolio when applying.   As a condition of employment, all employees are expected to complete mandatory training, including compliance training, within required timeframes and adhere to our internal policies and our Code of Conduct.   CannonDesign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CannonDesign is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free from any and all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is therefore the firm’s policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicant, CannonDesign employee, vendor, contractor, or client on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. It is also CannonDesign’s policy to prohibit any and all forms of retaliation against any individual who has complained of harassing or discriminatory conduct, or participated in a firm or agency investigation into such complaints.