Lighting Designer Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lighting Designer

SmartSource®, an ABCOM Technology Group company, has more than 35 years of experience serving clients' business technology needs in the events, staffing, legal, government, finance, education, entertainment, and meeting production industries. The company provides service throughout North America through its fully staffed and equipped offices in major metropolitan markets. SmartSource draws from its extensive inventory of audio-visual technologies to deliver world class solutions for meetings and conventions, including general sessions, breakout rooms, trade shows, and specialty events. The SmartSource team is passionate about leveraging its expertise to support our clients’ goals, while inspiring their attendees and stakeholders. 

SmartSource will afford you an exciting career opportunity. We offer a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Most importantly, you will be provided with the support and environment to excel and succeed with an industry leading company. If you are enthusiastic, highly motivated and looking for a great opportunity, we encourage you to apply today.

Job Summary:

The Lighting Designer is responsible for the design, programming, setup, and operation of lighting systems for corporate meetings, trade shows, general sessions, and live events. 

This role combines both creative design and hands-on execution. The Lighting Designer will work directly with sales, project managers, and clients to develop practical lighting solutions that align with event objectives and budgets while also serving as the lead lighting technician onsite for assigned events. 

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable creating lighting concepts during the planning phase and operating lighting systems in a live event environment. 

What You will Do:

Design & Preproduction 

• Develop lighting concepts for meetings, general sessions, exhibits, and special events. 
• Create equipment recommendations, lighting plots, and basic venue layouts. 
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Solutions team members to support proposals and customer presentations. 
• Review venue specifications and identify lighting, power, and rigging requirements. 
• Assist with labor planning and execution strategies for assigned events. 
• Balance creative design objectives with budget and operational requirements. 

Event Execution 

• Program and operate lighting consoles during rehearsals and live events. 
• Configure intelligent fixtures, lighting networks, DMX distribution, and control systems. 
• Lead installation, focus, rehearsal, show execution, and strike activities. 
• Troubleshoot lighting systems and resolve onsite technical issues. 
• Ensure consistent show quality and customer satisfaction throughout event execution. 

Team Leadership 

• Coordinate with video, audio, LED, rigging, and event leadership teams. 
• Maintain a professional, customer-focused presence while interacting with clients and presenters. 
• Support training and development of internal technical staff. 

 Equipment Management 

• Assist with maintenance, testing, and preparation of lighting inventory. 
• Recommend new technologies and equipment improvements. 
• Ensure proper documentation, labeling, and operational readiness of lighting equipment. 

What You Bring: 

• 3-5 years of experience in live event production, theatrical lighting, or corporate event environments. 
• Experience programming and operating professional lighting consoles. 
• Working knowledge of intelligent fixtures, conventional fixtures, dimming systems, and power distribution. 
• Understanding DMX, sACN, Art-Net, and lighting networking concepts. 
• Experience creating lighting layouts and basic production drawings. 
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities. 
• Ability to travel and work evenings, weekends, holidays and extended event schedules. 

SmartSource is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. SmartSource does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including non-binary/third gender), transgender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or affectional preference, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, military status, marital status, or status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. SmartSource makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, and applicable state and local laws.