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Architectural Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lighting Designer

El Cajon, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Lighting Designer Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2 days onsite) Location: El Cajon, CA Job ... Work with engineering teams, architects, and contractors to ensure design accuracy and ...

Coordinate with architect and interior designer * Coordinate with electrical consultants * Coordinate with contractors during construction * Review and provide response to lighting submittals

As lighting designers, we use the medium of light to shape and influence how people interact with ... Develop concepts and strategies for lighting projects (Architectural and Daylighting) with team ...

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Junior Lighting Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

The Junior Lighting Designer collaborates with project managers, senior lighting designers and ... Producing architectural drawings using software tools such as AutoCAD or Revit. * Creating and ...

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Junior Lighting Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

The Junior Lighting Designer collaborates with project managers, senior lighting designers and ... Producing architectural drawings using software tools such as AutoCAD or Revit. * Creating and ...

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager. Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities * Use ... Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or ...

As lighting designers, we use the medium of light to shape and influence how people interact with ... Develop concepts and strategies for lighting projects (Architectural and Daylighting) with team ...

Showing results 21-40

Architectural Lighting Designer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$74.5K

$111K

How much do architectural lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for architectural lighting designer in the United States is $74,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an architectural lighting designer?

Architectural Lighting Designers are professionals who specialize in planning and implementing lighting systems for buildings and outdoor environments. They work with architects, interior designers, and engineers to create lighting solutions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of spaces. Their expertise covers technical knowledge of lighting technology, energy efficiency, and how lighting affects human experience. They ensure that lighting supports the design intent, safety, and sustainability goals of a project.

How does an architectural lighting designer typically collaborate with architects and engineers during a project?

Architectural Lighting Designers work closely with architects and engineers from the early conceptual stages through project completion. They attend coordination meetings to understand the building's design intent, discuss technical requirements, and ensure their lighting solutions align with architectural aesthetics and functional needs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Lighting Designers often provide detailed drawings, specifications, and mock-ups, while responding to feedback from the broader design team to refine their proposals. This collaborative process helps create cohesive, energy-efficient, and visually appealing lighting environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an architectural lighting designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Architectural Lighting Designer, you need a solid background in lighting design principles, architecture, and visual arts, typically supported by a degree in architecture, interior design, or related fields. Proficiency in lighting simulation software (such as DIALux, AGi32, or Revit), AutoCAD, and knowledge of building codes and sustainability standards is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure that lighting solutions are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, meeting clients’ needs and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Architectural Lighting Designer vs Lighting Designer?

AspectArchitectural Lighting DesignerLighting Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in architecture, interior design, or lighting design; certifications like LC or LC+ are commonOften holds a degree in lighting design, interior design, or related fields; certifications like LC or LC+ are also common
Work EnvironmentWorks on building exteriors, interiors, and architectural projects within construction or design firmsWorks on various projects including theatrical, event, or commercial lighting, often in entertainment or production settings
Industry UsageUsed primarily in architecture, construction, and design industries for building projectsUsed in entertainment, events, and specialized lighting projects

Architectural Lighting Designers focus on integrating lighting into building architecture, working closely with architects and interior designers. Lighting Designers often work on entertainment, theatrical, or event lighting, with a broader scope outside traditional architecture. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in work environment and project focus.

Are architectural lighting designers in demand?

Architectural lighting designers are in demand due to the growing focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetic quality in building design. They often work alongside architects and engineers, utilizing tools like CAD and lighting simulation software, and certification such as LEED can enhance job prospects.

How do you become an architectural lighting designer?

To become an architectural lighting designer, typically a bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in lighting design software like Dialux or Revit, and obtaining professional certifications such as the LC or CLD can enhance career prospects.

How much does an architectural lighting designer make?

The average salary for an architectural lighting designer in the United States ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior designers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 per year.
More about Architectural Lighting Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Architectural Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Architectural Lighting Designer job openings:

What states have the most Architectural Lighting Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Architectural Lighting Designer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Architectural Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,539 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is a leading, multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm and collaborative community of over 900 employees who plan, design, and deliver high-performance, innovative, and holistic engineering solutions.

Recognized as a top engineering firm nationally, AEI is dedicated to enhancing the built environment through remarkable design and award-winning projects.

Pivotal Lighting Design is the lighting design studio within AEI.  Pivotal provides architectural lighting design services specializing in AEI's core markets as well as project pursuits in areas such as exterior environments, civic, and corporate among others.  Learn more at https://pivotallightingdesign.com/

We have a great opportunity for you to join Pivotal in a Lighting Designer II role in our Chapel Hill, NC office. 

Why We Need You:

In this role, you will be working with senior lighting designers, supporting the design and documentation process from concepts through construction.  Job tasks will include development of presentation boards, luminaire schedules, and cut sheet catalogs, illumination and LPD calculations in AGi32 or similar software, research of lighting and lighting controls products, documentation of lighting layouts in Revit, construction submittal reviews, and project site visits.

Expertise of our most successful Lighting Designer: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Theatrical Lighting Design, or Architectural Engineering with 3-8 years of experience in the lighting industry.
  • Fundamental knowledge of the design process, light sources and luminaire components, lighting controls, computer-generated lighting calculations, and photometry.
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office products AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite (esp. InDesign and Photoshop), and Bluebeam Revu.
  • Proficiency with AGi32, Lightstanza, or similar lighting calculation and rendering software.
  • Certification by the NCQLP, or a similar credential, or the ability to obtain certification within one year
  • Additional experience with concept realization software is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to express conceptual ideas in a visual format.
  • Familiarity with energy code compliance methodology and documentation tools.

Effective skills to help you flourish:

  • Experience in combining personal judgment with a wide variety of data and information to perform and evaluate system calculations and design options.
  • Solid interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Communicates well with individuals at all levels in the organization and project partners.
  • Ability to anticipate design work, and to delegate and balance work for others.
  • Curiosity to continue the learning process by attending in-house seminars and continuing education opportunities outside the office.
  • Strong spoken and written communications skills.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills.
  • Motivation focused on client outcomes.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Effective working individually and within team environments, both in-person and virtual.
  • Participation in a lighting industry professional organization (e.g. IES, IALD, WILD, etc.)

 

When you work here, you can expect:

  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your well-being matters-because your best work happens when you're supported.
  • Real opportunities to grow-through mentorship, professional development programs, and exposure to high-impact projects across disciplines.
  • To collaborate with inspiring teammates who challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and pave the way for future leaders.
  • A benefits package that offers health, dental, vision, and retirement, a performance-based year-end bonus, and thoughtful perks tailored to your needs-whether that's a flexible work environment, wellness resources, or community-focused initiatives, we'll continue to invest in.

If this dynamic environment and the chance to contribute to transformative projects resonate with your ambitions, we would love to connect with you. Join us and make an impact!

Apply online at https://aeieng.com/about/careers/

If you know someone who would thrive in this role, please share this posting with them directly via email or through your LinkedIn network.

AEI is proud to be an EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled.

Employment Type: OTHER