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Full Time Lighting Designer Jobs in California (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 Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented Lighting Designer with strong technical design skills and ...

Lighting Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Employment Type: Full-time Schedule: 3 days In-office / 2 Remote Salary Range: $90,000 -115,000 ... As a Lighting Designer you will be supporting the design team and projects in all aspects and ...

Be Seen First

Pay: $60,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year Lighting Designer & Sales Rebel and Company Lighting Los Gatos, CA | Full-Time | In-Person Are you a passionate lighting and interior design professional who ...

Electrical Designer

Vista, CA · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Lighting photometric calculations, including egress lighting requirements and modeling utilizing ... S. and Canadian (PTO) plans for full-time salaried, exempt and non-team members, 10 paid holidays ...

Electrical Designer

Vista, CA · Hybrid

$35 - $50/hr

Lighting photometric calculations, including egress lighting requirements and modeling utilizing ... S. and Canadian (PTO) plans for full-time salaried, exempt and non-team members, 10 paid holidays ...

... where lighting designers and interior designers shop for their clients. This is a new, distinct ... Logistics and compensation • Full-time, Exempt • Compensation: $120,000 - $150,000 • Location:

... Designer is an entry-level full-time role designed for an individual seeking to begin a ... Basic familiarity with Cinema 4D, Depence, MA2, MA3, or comparable visualization and lighting ...

... Designer is an entry-level full-time role designed for an individual seeking to begin a ... Basic familiarity with Cinema 4D, Depence, MA2, MA3, or comparable visualization and lighting ...

Lighting Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

... all designs meet strict manufacturability and compliance standards. By bridging the gap between ... Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee ...

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Full Time Lighting Designer information

What does a full time lighting designer do?

A Full Time Lighting Designer is responsible for creating and implementing lighting concepts for various projects such as theatrical productions, concerts, events, film, and architectural spaces. They collaborate with directors, producers, and other designers to enhance the visual atmosphere and mood through lighting. Their job includes selecting lighting equipment, programming lighting cues, and ensuring the technical setup runs smoothly. Full Time Lighting Designers often work on-site during rehearsals and performances to make adjustments and troubleshoot issues. This role requires both creative vision and technical expertise in lighting systems.

What are some common challenges full time lighting designers face when working on large-scale projects?

Full Time Lighting Designers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments, adapting to changing project timelines, and managing the technical constraints of different venues or spaces. Balancing creative vision with practical considerations like budget, safety regulations, and available equipment is a key part of the role. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as designers frequently collaborate with architects, engineers, and production teams to ensure their lighting designs enhance the overall look and feel of the space or event.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time lighting designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Lighting Designer, you need a solid background in lighting design principles, architectural or theatrical lighting, and a relevant degree in design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and lighting visualization tools, as well as knowledge of lighting control systems, is typically required. Strong creativity, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively and meet client expectations. These skills ensure innovative, technically sound lighting solutions that enhance spaces and satisfy both aesthetic and functional project requirements.

What is the difference between Full Time Lighting Designer vs Lighting Technician?

AspectFull Time Lighting DesignerLighting Technician
CredentialsLighting design certifications, relevant degreesTechnical certifications, electrical knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, theaters, event venuesOn-site setups, live events, film sets
Employer & IndustryArchitectural firms, entertainment industryProduction companies, theaters, broadcast
Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical vs creative roles

The main difference is that Full Time Lighting Designers focus on creating lighting plans and concepts, while Lighting Technicians handle the installation and operation of lighting equipment. Both roles are essential in the industry, but they require different skill sets and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Lighting Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution.

Lighting Designer

El Cajon, CA • Hybrid

W3Global Inc.
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Role: Lighting Designer
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2 days onsite)
Location: El Cajon, CA

Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Lighting Designer with strong technical design skills and experience in lighting systems for commercial projects. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing lighting layouts, photometrics, fixture specifications, and lighting controls while ensuring compliance with applicable California codes, energy standards, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lighting Design: Develop lighting system designs including layouts, fixture selection, lighting controls, and photometric studies

  • Code Compliance: Ensure designs meet California Electrical Code, Building Code, Energy Code, Green Building Code, ADA Standards, NFPA 1104, and IESNA guidelines

  • Technical Drawings: Read and interpret construction documents and develop coordinated lighting design solutions

  • Photometrics & Calculations: Perform lighting calculations including Title 24 energy compliance and photometric analysis

  • Documentation: Prepare design documentation, respond to RFIs, and review submittals

  • Coordination: Work with engineering teams, architects, and contractors to ensure design accuracy and constructability

  • Tools & Software: Utilize AutoCAD, Revit, AGI32, Visual Lighting Design tools, Design Master, Energy Pro, and Microsoft Office applications

  • Field Support: Conduct site visits and coordinate with field teams as required

  • Supervision: Support and supervise junior technicians when needed

Required Qualifications:

  • 1-3 years of lighting design experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, Architecture, or related field

  • Strong understanding of lighting design fundamentals including photometrics, fixture specifications, and lighting controls

  • Experience reading and interpreting construction documents

  • Knowledge of California Electrical, Building, Energy, and Green Building Codes

  • Experience with Title 24 calculations and energy compliance requirements

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit

  • Experience with lighting design tools such as AGI32, Design Master, Energy Pro, or similar software

  • Strong communication, coordination, and documentation skills

Work Environment:

  • Hybrid work model (2 days onsite, 3 days remote)

  • Fast-paced engineering and design environment

  • Collaborative multi-disciplinary team setting

  • Office and occasional field/site work required

Benefits:
100% paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k) with matching, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Performance Bonuses, Continuing Education, Training, Career Development, Cell Phone Reimbursement


W3Global logo

About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006