Lighting Designer Jobs in the United States

As a Lighting Designer, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting building design projects while working closely with experienced designers and engineers. This role offers the opportunity to build a strong technical foundation through exposure to a variety of design tasks, including lighting design for building systems. Under the guidance of senior staff, you’ll contribute to project drawings, layouts, and technical documentation while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and developing skills that support your long-term growth as a designer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports design efforts for building projects by preparing layouts, drawings, and supporting documentation under the guidance of senior staff.
• Assists with lighting design tasks, including lighting layouts, basic lighting calculations, and coordination of fixture selections for building projects.
• Utilizes design software such as AutoCAD and Revit to produce construction drawings and design layouts.
• Applies engineering and design fundamentals to support internal and external client requirements.
• Researches and evaluates design options by understanding and documenting basic advantages and disadvantages of alternatives.
• Reviews project requirements, specifications, and design standards to support quality and accuracy of assigned work.
• Prepares illustrations, sketches, and layout studies in accordance with project direction.
• Assists with cost estimates, schedules, and technical documentation within quality, budget, and timeline requirements.
• Coordinates with architects, interior designers, engineers, and other disciplines as part of a collaborative project team.
• Maintains organized project records, drawing files, and image resource files.
• Participates in design reviews and incorporates feedback from supervisors and project team members.
• May assist with site visits, field coordination, and review of shop drawings or submittals, as appropriate to experience level.
• Communicates clearly with internal team members and supports client-facing efforts as needed.

Lighting Design Exposure

• Assists in the development of building lighting systems, including fixture layouts and basic lighting controls concepts.
• Supports lighting analyses using tools such as AGI32, ElumTools, or similar software (training and mentoring provided).
• Learns and applies applicable codes and standards related to lighting and electrical systems.
• Gains exposure to lighting narratives, fixture schedules, and coordination with electrical design elements.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to apply basic design and engineering principles to assigned tasks.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit; willingness to continue developing technical proficiency.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Interest in lighting design and building systems is strongly preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and PDF software (Bluebeam or Adobe preferred).

Education and Experience

• Two-year technical degree or certification required; Bachelor’s degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• 5-7 years of overall experience
• Coursework or early experience in building lighting design is a plus.

Licenses and Certifications

• None required.
• Interest in pursuing lighting-related credentials (e.g., NCQLP Lighting Certified or IALD CLD) is a plus.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and use standard office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, and lifting up to 50 lbs. during site visits.

WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY

The position allows for a hybrid flexible work schedule, with 2 days in the nearest geographical office to the employee’s home. 

Compensation
The salary range for this position is $69,000- $100,000. The actual salary offered will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits
• Tuition reimbursement