1

Lighting Designer Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Direct and review the work of Junior Lighting Designers and Lighting Interns. * Adept at working in the field on a construction site. * Attend construction site walkthroughs and project team meetings.

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Direct and review the work of Junior Lighting Designers and Lighting Interns. * Adept at working in the field on a construction site. * Attend construction site walkthroughs and project team meetings.

Direct and review the work of Junior Lighting Designers and Lighting Interns. * Adept at working in the field on a construction site. * Attend construction site walkthroughs and project team meetings.

... lighting, and furniture. To take a project from concept to completion, you will draw on your ... Mentor Junior and Intermediate Designers and Interns * Expand your knowledge of high-end interior ...

Our Sales Internship Program is designed for students who want to learn how great customer partnerships are built from the ground up while experiencing the culture, teamwork, and career growth that ...

Senior FF&E Designer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

... lighting and furniture. To take a project from concept to completion, you will draw on your ... Mentor junior and intermediate designers and interns in office standards Job Requirements:

Senior FF&E Designer

San Francisco, CA ยท Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

... lighting and furniture. To take a project from concept to completion, you will draw on your ... Mentor junior and intermediate designers and interns in office standards Job Requirements:

Senior FF&E Designer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

... lighting and furniture. To take a project from concept to completion, you will draw on your ... Mentor junior and intermediate designers and interns in office standards Job Requirements:

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lighting Designer Internship information

What does a lighting designer intern do?

A Lighting Designer Intern assists experienced lighting designers in creating lighting plans for theater productions, concerts, events, or architectural projects. Their responsibilities may include researching lighting effects, helping to set up equipment, and using design software to draft lighting plots. Interns often work closely with other members of the design and technical teams to ensure the lighting meets the artistic vision and practical needs of each project. This internship provides valuable hands-on experience and a pathway to a career in lighting design.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during a lighting designer internship?

As a Lighting Designer Intern, you'll typically assist with creating lighting plans, preparing presentation materials, and supporting senior designers in project meetings. You may work on a diverse range of projects, including theater productions, architectural spaces, or live events, depending on the firm's focus. Interns often help with technical drawings, fixture research, and may gain hands-on experience during site visits or rehearsals. Collaboration with architects, engineers, and production teams is common, providing valuable exposure to real-world workflows and teamwork.

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

To thrive as a Lighting Designer Intern, you need foundational knowledge of lighting design principles, familiarity with drafting or design software, and often a background in theatre, architecture, or related fields. Proficiency in technical tools such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and lighting simulation software, as well as basic understanding of lighting consoles, is typically required. Strong collaboration, creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for translating creative visions into practical lighting solutions and supporting successful design projects.

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

AspectLighting Designer InternshipLighting Designer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in lighting design, architecture, or related fieldProfessional certification or degree in lighting design, architecture, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, assisting on projects, learning from professionalsFull-time professional role, leading lighting projects independently
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs in entertainment, theater, architecture, and eventsDesign firms, theaters, architectural firms, production companies

The Lighting Designer Internship is an entry-level position aimed at gaining practical experience, while a Lighting Designer is a full professional responsible for creating and managing lighting plans. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed or certified lighting designer, who has more responsibilities and independence in project execution.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Lighting Designer Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lighting Designer Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Lighting Designer Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution.

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

AlfaTech

Monrovia, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Sr. Lighting Designer


About Us

At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading consulting engineering firm, we provide thoughtful engineering design that is technologically forward thinking, innovative, and environmentally conscious, ensuring that our contribution to our built environment is flexible, sustainable, and lasting across all the market segments we serve.

If you're driven by a passion for engineering, innovation, and making a difference, if you thrive on challenges and adapt quickly to change, and if you are looking to be part of a dynamic team of empowered, smart, energized, professionals, then AlfaTech is the place for you.

Job Summary

This position requires a self-motivated individual with strong time management, organizational, and communication skills.  A successful candidate will be highly analytical, possess exceptional problem-solving skills, and have the ability to multi-task.

In this role, you will be relied upon to perform various engineering and lighting design activities under the mentorship and guidance of senior engineering staff.  This individual must have the ability to work as a productive and engaged team member in a fast-paced environment.  Strong initiative and follow-through are essential for this job.

Core Responsibilities

  • Responsible for leading the efforts toward the development and completion of lighting design and documentation necessary to complete project deliverables.
  • Perform a wide array of design functions, including lighting concepts, lighting calculations, illuminance levels, research of fixture alternatives, review fixture samples, construction of temporary mockups, etc.
  • Perform research and analysis of design options. Prepare the basis of design reports.
  • Provide lighting design solutions appropriate to the client brief, budget, and relevant standards.
  • Create presentations, graphics, renderings, and imageboards.
  • Attend client meetings with the ability to present and explain lighting design concepts.
  • Produce drawings consistent with client requirements and standards.
  • Perform submittal reviews and ensure timely response to RFI’s.
  • Oversee the lighting design documentation via CAD layouts, lighting details, light fixture schedules, and lighting control specifications.
  • Review cost estimates of project lighting specifications and adjust lighting design to meet the client’s budget.
  • Review the construction progress of lighting installation at the project site and issue field reports to the design team.
  • Conduct quality reviews.
  • Supervise final aiming of light fixtures and lighting controls programming.
  • Track project timelines and project deliverables.
  • Manage tasks as required to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget.
  • Coordinate, support, and communicate with colleagues across disciplines.
  • Direct and review the work of Junior Lighting Designers and Lighting Interns.
  • Adept at working in the field on a construction site.
  • Attend construction site walkthroughs and project team meetings.
  • Interface with other disciplines involved in the design team to coordinate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.

This is meant to summarize the role’s responsibilities and provide some information and structure. At AlfaTech we encourage our staff to think outside the box and explore opportunities beyond the confines of one’s stated responsibilities to bring new thoughts, ideas, and innovations to our company.

Ideal Candidate

  • Excellent communication, graphic, and verbal presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated experience as a self-directed, pro-active, and highly-motivated team player.
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with internal and external business partners.
  • Proclivity for catching the error and enacting appropriate changes.
  • Keep current on lighting technology and design trends.
  • Member and participant of industry-related organizations such as IALD and IES.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Lighting Design, or Architecture/Interiors degree with supplemental lighting training.
  • Certified Lighting Designer (CLD), preferred.
  • LEED Accreditation.


Essential Requirements

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience designing lighting systems and performing lighting calculations for commercial buildings, hospitals, and institutional facilities.
  • Minimum of five to seven years’ experience working with a design-build contractor or consulting engineering firm.
  • Solid knowledge of codes, standards, and construction/engineering processes.
  • Proficient with computer graphics software including AutoCAD, Revit, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bluebeam Revu, and SharePoint.


Salary Range

This is a hybrid role. It is anticipated that the working days in the office will be done at our Monrovia, CA office. The expected salary range for candidates who will work in Monrovia, CA is $90,000 - $100,000. The final offer to our new team member will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the length, breadth, and depth of experience within the job and the industry, education, etc. ATCE is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.