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Lighting Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clark Nexsen

Lighting Practice Leader

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Graduate of an ABET-accredited program with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, or related field * 10+ years of professional lighting design experience

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Miami, FL · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

Allied Maker

Design Engineer

Glen Cove, NY

$90K - $115K/yr

The Design Engineer translates creative direction into buildable fixtures. Working on both new ... Experience designing lighting fixtures and familiarity with UL 1598 / UL 8750. * Experience with ...

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

Allied Maker

Design Engineer

Glen Cove, NY

$90K - $115K/yr

The Design Engineer translates creative direction into buildable fixtures. Working on both new ... Experience designing lighting fixtures and familiarity with UL 1598 / UL 8750. * Experience with ...

Stanford Hotels

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Bachelor of Architectural Engineering - Lighting Design Degree required * Hospitality Lighting Design preferred WHAT WE OFFER: * Vacation, Holiday, and Sick pay * Medical/Dental/Vision (with opt. out ...

McFarland Johnson

Lighting Designer

Acton, MA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. * 1-5 years of professional experience in architectural ...

HLB Lighting Design

Senior Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 3 to 5 years' experience

Allied Maker

Design Engineer

Glen Cove, NY · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The Design Engineer translates creative direction into buildable fixtures. Working on both new ... Experience designing lighting fixtures and familiarity with UL 1598 / UL 8750. * Experience with ...

K2 Staffing, LLC

Electrical Design Engineer

Lakewood, CA · Hybrid

$93K - $112K/yr

Summary Are you an Electrical Design Engineer with 2-4 years of experience in lighting design looking to advance your career? Our client, located in the Long Beach, CA area, is an award-winning ...

K2 Staffing

Electrical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · Hybrid

Summary Are you an Electrical Design Engineer with 24 years of experience in lighting design looking to advance your career? Our client, located in the Long Beach, CA area, is an award-winning ...

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Lighting Design Engineer information

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$25

$43

$70

How much do lighting design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for lighting design engineer in the United States is $43.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.69 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lighting Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lighting Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, lighting principles, and building codes, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with lighting design software such as DIALux, AGi32, AutoCAD, and knowledge of industry standards like IES or LEED certification is often required. Strong communication, creativity, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively with architects, clients, and construction teams. These skills ensure safe, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions that meet both client needs and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Lighting Design Engineer vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLighting Design EngineerLighting Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in lighting design, architecture, or related field; certifications like LC or CLDTechnical diploma or certification in lighting technology or electrical work
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, architectural firms, construction sitesInstallation sites, maintenance facilities, event venues
Industry UsageDesigning lighting plans, creating concepts, collaborating with architectsInstalling, maintaining, troubleshooting lighting systems

The Lighting Design Engineer focuses on creating lighting concepts and plans, working closely with architects and clients. In contrast, the Lighting Technician handles the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lighting systems. Both roles are essential in the lighting industry but serve different stages of project development.

What are some common challenges faced by Lighting Design Engineers when working on large-scale projects?

Lighting Design Engineers on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (architects, electrical engineers, and interior designers) to ensure lighting solutions meet both aesthetic and technical requirements. Balancing energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and client expectations within tight deadlines is another frequent hurdle. Additionally, adapting designs to unforeseen site constraints or last-minute changes requires flexibility and strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication and project management are key to overcoming these obstacles and delivering successful lighting solutions.

What does a Lighting Design Engineer do?

A Lighting Design Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and implementing lighting systems for buildings, outdoor spaces, or events. They use technical knowledge and creativity to ensure that lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while also meeting safety and energy efficiency standards. Lighting Design Engineers collaborate with architects, interior designers, and electrical engineers to select appropriate fixtures, create lighting layouts, and oversee installation. They also use specialized software to model lighting scenarios and may be involved in troubleshooting and maintaining lighting systems after installation.
More about Lighting Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lighting Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lighting Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Lighting Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lighting Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lighting Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lighting Design Engineer jobs are:
Lighting Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,940 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
Lighting Practice Leader

Lighting Practice Leader

Clark Nexsen

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description


Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients-while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.
We are looking for a Lighting Practice Leader who will be responsible for performing, directing, and supervising all aspects of lighting design across a diverse portfolio of projects. This role will oversee the full design process, from concept through construction, and will mentor junior designers. The ideal candidate is a creative, technically skilled, and client-focused professional with a strong portfolio in architectural lighting and the built environment.
Compensation for this position is $125,000.00 - $140,000.00, commensurate with experience, education and certifications. The provided range is a good faith estimate based on the requirements described within the job description. We notice that we receive a wide variety of applicants and recognize that the person selected may be less experienced or more experienced. If so, the actual salary range may vary from the estimate provided.
General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Lead lighting designer for complex projects across various markets (e.g., education, government, healthcare, workplace, civic)
  • Develop innovative lighting concepts that integrate with architectural intent, within a multi-disciplinary firm with a focus on Integrated Design
  • Perform advanced lighting calculations, daylighting analysis, and energy code compliance
  • Oversee preparation of drawings, lighting layouts, schedules, specifications, and control strategies
  • Coordinate with internal and external design teams, clients, and consultants
  • Conduct site visits, mock-ups, and inspections
  • Manage lighting project budgets and timelines
  • Motivate and lead the lighting studio, supervise junior staff and contribute to staff development
  • Develop and maintain relations with various Clark Nexsen offices to ensure lighting design quality control / quality assurance is consistent, regardless of location
  • Interview, hire, and terminate staff when authorized. Evaluate the performance of department members and make recommendations for salary adjustments
  • Develop methods to incorporate "accountability" into individual performance
  • Monitor morale of the department
  • Develop systems of reward to recognize outstanding performance
  • Conduct annual department staff reviews and participate with Senior Leadership in review of staff assignments. Review and approve department staff timesheets and expense reports

Required Experience
  • Graduate of an ABET-accredited program with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, or related field
  • 10+ years of professional lighting design experience
  • Proficiency in AGi32, Elumtools or LightStanza, Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Deep understanding of lighting technologies, controls, and code compliance
  • Excellent verbal and visual communication skills
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating creative and technical lighting design

Preferred Experience:
  • LC (Lighting Certified), LEED AP, or WELL AP
  • Experience with daylight modeling, parametric tools, or visualization software
  • Active involvement in IES, IALD, or similar organizations

Working Conditions
At JMT, we prioritize a healthy work/life balance and offer a flexible hybrid working schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work in a JMT office location at least three days per week or as needed to perform assigned duties. While most of our work is desk-based, there may be times when standing, walking, bending and lifting of minimal weight are required. Our office environment is comfortable, has adequate lighting and temperature, and is free from noise, dust, and other hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
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