Freelance Lighting Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: Columbia, MD | Schedule: Full Time | Onsite | Pay Range: $80,000/yr - $95,000/yr (Based on experience & qualifications)
Lighting Department Manager | Lead the Vision. Elevate the Experience. Power Live Events.
EventEQ is seeking a Lighting Department Manager to lead lighting operations, technical planning, team development, and creative execution across live events, corporate productions, and touring environments. This role is responsible for maintaining technical excellence, mentoring technicians, supporting show execution, and driving operational success within the lighting department.
If you are a technical leader who thrives in fast-paced production environments, enjoys developing teams, and is passionate about lighting design, technical execution, and delivering unforgettable experiences, this is your opportunity to grow your career with EventEQ.
Who We Are
EventEQ, part of Entertainment Technology Partners (ETP), delivers industry-leading video, audio, lighting, and production solutions for live events, corporate meetings, tours, broadcasts, and experiential productions. We are committed to technical excellence, innovation, and creating memorable experiences through collaboration, creativity, and world-class execution.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Lighting Department Manager, you will oversee lighting department operations, technical planning, technician development, and show readiness while ensuring quality, efficiency, and consistency across productions.
• Administrative Leadership - Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain technical and creative standards while reviewing show quotes for equipment accuracy, labor needs, and specification validation
• Department Oversight - Maintain relationships with full-time and freelance lighting technicians while supporting staffing recommendations, scheduling efficiencies, and operational workflows
• Quality Control & Workflow Management - Evaluate and improve department processes, quality control standards, and lighting workflows to ensure operational excellence
• Venue & Production Planning - Participate in venue walkthroughs to evaluate layouts, technical requirements, rigging considerations, and production needs
• Lighting Design Support - Translate client and creative direction into practical lighting solutions and recommend equipment, systems, and layouts to support production goals
• Technical Coordination - Partner with internal departments to support Technical Design Services and cross-functional production planning
• Technician Development & Training - Mentor technicians, identify skill gaps, support training initiatives, and foster continuous development to maintain show readiness
• Technical Oversight & Troubleshooting - Provide technical guidance, troubleshoot lighting challenges, and ensure proper documentation for prep, installation, and onsite execution
• Cross-Brand Collaboration - Partner with lighting teams across Entertainment Technology Partners to align standards, best practices, and technical consistency
• Continuous Improvement - Review client feedback, post-show reporting, and operational outcomes to improve execution and service quality
What We're Looking For
• Extensive experience in live event lighting operations, system design, and production management
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop technical teams
• Strong understanding of modern lighting systems, consoles, programming, rigging, and production workflows
• Excellent project management, troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and client service skills with the ability to collaborate across teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• Experience supporting corporate events, tours, broadcasts, or live productions preferred
Why Join EventEQ
• Leadership Impact - Lead technical teams and support high-profile productions and live experiences
• Creative Influence - Help shape lighting execution and elevate audience experiences across events
• Career Growth - Expand your leadership and technical expertise within a growing organization
• Collaborative Culture - Join a team focused on innovation, teamwork, and production excellence
• Comprehensive Benefits - Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending account, 401(k), and paid time off for full-time employees
EventEQ is a Tobacco-Free and Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. We participate in E-Verify and comply with all applicable leave laws including FMLA.
Ready to lead lighting operations and help create unforgettable live experiences? Apply today and take your career Beyond Technology with EventEQ.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.