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Lighting Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Jobtailor

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Exceptional taste and deep understanding of furniture, lighting, textiles, art, materials, styling, and home design * Experience leading high-profile residential or commercial design projects

Legence

Electrical Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Lighting fixtures and power equipment selection * Perform lighting and power circuiting * Design and coordinate the lighting control system * Prepare fire alarm device layout based on International ...

Legence Corp.

Electrical Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $115/hr

Lighting fixtures and power equipment selection. * Perform lighting and power circuiting. * Design and coordinate the lighting control system. * Prepare fire alarm device layout based on ...

Big League Talent Connection

Junior Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

Design and revise lighting layouts and specifications in AutoCAD, ensuring technical precision and design intent * Collaborate with architects, interior designers, and construction teams to integrate ...

Design Hire LLC

Electrical Engineer

Daly City, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Design power distribution (utility coordination, transformers, switchgear, panelboards, feeders), lighting/controls, fire alarm, emergency/standby power, UPS, and low‑voltage systems * Prepare ...

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All JobsLighting Design JobsLighting Design Jobs in California

Lighting Design information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$71.8K

$92.8K

How much do lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting design in California is $71,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is lighting design?

Lighting design is the art and science of planning and creating lighting solutions for various environments, such as theaters, architectural spaces, events, or film sets. Lighting designers use their knowledge of aesthetics, technology, and spatial awareness to enhance visibility, mood, and functionality within a space. They select and position lighting fixtures, choose colors and intensities, and often collaborate with architects, interior designers, or directors to achieve the desired effect. Good lighting design can dramatically influence the atmosphere and usability of a space.

How do lighting designers typically collaborate with architects and other team members during a project?

Lighting designers often work closely with architects, interior designers, and engineers to ensure that lighting plans enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of a space. Early in a project, they participate in design meetings to understand the vision and constraints, then develop lighting concepts that complement the architectural elements. Throughout the project, they coordinate with other disciplines to address technical requirements, budget limitations, and installation logistics, making communication and teamwork essential skills for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Lighting Designer, you need a solid background in design principles, spatial awareness, and technical knowledge of lighting systems, often supported by a degree in lighting design, architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with lighting design software such as AutoCAD, DIALux, or Revit, as well as understanding industry standards and certifications like LEED or IES, is crucial. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help Lighting Designers translate client needs into effective visual solutions. These skills and qualifications ensure that lighting designs are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective, meeting safety, sustainability, and client requirements.

What is the difference between Lighting Design vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLighting DesignLighting Technician
CredentialsDegree in lighting design, architecture, or related field; certifications like LC or CLDTechnical training, certifications in electrical work or lighting installation
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client meetings, project planningOn-site installation, maintenance, and operation of lighting systems
Employer & IndustryArchitectural firms, entertainment, theater, commercial projectsConstruction companies, event production, theater, film sets

Lighting Design involves creating lighting plans and concepts, focusing on aesthetics and functionality. Lighting Technicians execute these plans through installation and maintenance. While both roles work closely, Lighting Designers focus on design and planning, whereas Lighting Technicians handle the technical implementation.

Are lighting designers in demand?

Lighting designers are in demand in industries such as architecture, theater, film, and events, with employment opportunities growing as projects increasingly emphasize aesthetic and energy-efficient lighting. Skills in CAD software and knowledge of sustainable lighting practices enhance job prospects in this field.

How do you become a lighting designer?

To become a lighting designer, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in lighting design, theater, architecture, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills with lighting software, and building a portfolio are important steps; professional certifications can also enhance job prospects.

How much money does a lighting designer make?

Lighting designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior or specialized lighting designers working on large projects or in high-demand markets can earn over $100,000 annually. Compensation often includes project-based fees, hourly rates, or salaries, and proficiency with lighting design software and technical skills can influence earning potential.

What does a lighting design do?

A lighting designer creates and plans lighting schemes for various environments such as theaters, architectural projects, or events. They select appropriate fixtures, control systems, and placement to achieve desired visual effects, often using design software and collaborating with clients and other professionals. Their work enhances aesthetics, functionality, and safety of the space.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Lighting Design jobs in California?

For Lighting Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lighting Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lighting Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lighting Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lighting Design job openings:

Lighting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,814 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer

K2 Staffing

Long Beach, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

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 engineering firm that has proudly earned the title of Best Place to Work for the past 15 years.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Pre-Design & Field Investigation
    • Conduct field surveys and review existing as-built drawings to evaluate current system conditions and gather relevant project data.
    • Prepare site assessment reports and collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients to define the project scope.
  • Design Engineering
    • Develop schematic designs, single-line diagrams, and load schedules for electrical systems.
    • Perform technical calculations such as arc flash, short circuit, voltage drop, and load flow using tools like ETAP, SKM, EnergyPro, or IES VE.
    • Design power systems (normal, emergency, and renewable), lighting systems and controls, and low-voltage infrastructure (fire alarm, security, voice/data, nurse call).
    • Conduct lighting photometric studies, breaker coordination, arc flash studies, and medium-voltage equipment replacement design.
  • BIM / CAD Coordination
    • Create and manage detailed AutoCAD and Revit MEP models and drawings while maintaining CAD/BIM standards compliance.
    • Coordinate with mechanical, plumbing, structural, and civil disciplines to ensure design consistency.
  • Construction & Commissioning Support
    • Support construction administration by reviewing submittals, responding to RFIs, attending site meetings, and preparing punch walk documentation.
    • Provide on-site construction assistance and engineering support to ensure design intent is achieved.
    • Participate in commissioning and quality assurance efforts, including on-site testing and integration coordination.
  • Energy & Sustainability Engineering
    • Perform energy modeling and calculations to comply with Title 24, ASHRAE, and to support LEED or Net-Zero design goals.
    • Contribute to sustainable design initiatives through energy optimization studies and lifecycle cost analysis.
  • Project Coordination & Client Engagement
    • Manage design schedules, deliverables, and technical communication across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
    • Serve as a liaison during construction to ensure client satisfaction, quality, and regulatory compliance.
    • Occasionally assist with proposal development, cost estimating, and defining project scope.

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.

  • 24 years of electrical design experience.

  • Membership or association with IES/IEEE is a plus.

  • Experience with Title 24 is preferred.

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit MEP required.

  • PE license is a plus.

  • Lighting circuiting and lighting controls experience preferred.

Benefits

  • Benefits (upon eligibility):

    • 13 paid company holidays annually

    • Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

    • Employer-paid Group Life Insurance

    • Supplemental Insurance (Accident, Critical Illness, Pet Insurance)

    • Tuition & Training Assistance

    • 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and 100% employer match up to 4% of compensation

  • Schedule: Hybrid 3 days in-office / 2 days remote

Employment Type: Full time Location: Long Beach, CA