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Lighting Designer Programmer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Electrical Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$41 - $48/hr

Electrical Designer The Electrical Designer will design lighting and power systems for horizontal ... engineering formulas and specialized software, prepares point-by-point lighting and energy code ...

Cushing Terrell

Electrical Designer

Denver, CO

Familiarity with lighting design fundamentals, including IES footcandle standards and lighting ... Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or intent to pursue the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE ...

AdvancedPCB

PCB Designer - Remote

Aurora, CO · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SUMMARY The PCB Designer/Engineer II will be required to perform design services and ... PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work setting should consist of an office environment with suitable lighting ...

Cushing Terrell

Electrical Designer

Denver, CO

$65K - $85K/yr

Familiarity with lighting design fundamentals, including IES footcandle standards and lighting ... Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or intent to pursue the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE ...

Cushing Terrell

Electrical Designer

Denver, CO

$65K - $85K/yr

Familiarity with lighting design fundamentals, including IES footcandle standards and lighting ... Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or intent to pursue the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE ...

Stanley Consultants

Electrical Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$39.66 - $50.37/hr

... engineer. * Good understanding of the National Electrical Code. * Experience with designing lighting systems is preferred. * Experience with designing power distribution and grounding systems ...

Stanley Consultants

Electrical Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$39.66 - $50.37/hr

... engineer. * Good understanding of the National Electrical Code. * Experience with designing lighting systems is preferred. * Experience with designing power distribution and grounding systems ...

Stanley Consultants

Electrical Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$39.66 - $50.37/hr

... engineer. * Good understanding of the National Electrical Code. * Experience with designing lighting systems is preferred. * Experience with designing power distribution and grounding systems ...

AdvancedPCB

PCB Designer - Remote

Aurora, CO · On-site +1

$80K - $120K/yr

SUMMARY The PCB Designer/Engineer II will be required to perform design services and other related ... PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work setting should consist of an office environment with suitable lighting ...

AdvancedPCB

PCB Designer - Remote

Aurora, CO · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

SUMMARY The PCB Designer/Engineer II will be required to perform design services and other related ... PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work setting should consist of an office environment with suitable lighting ...

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All JobsLighting Designer Programmer JobsLighting Designer Programmer Jobs in Colorado

Lighting Designer Programmer information

What is a lighting designer programmer?

Lighting Designer Programmers are professionals responsible for creating, programming, and operating lighting designs for live events, theater productions, concerts, television, and other performances. They work with directors, producers, and other designers to develop lighting schemes that enhance the visual impact and mood of the production. Using specialized lighting software and control consoles, they program lighting cues, adjust lighting effects, and ensure smooth transitions throughout the show. Their technical expertise and creative vision are crucial in achieving the desired atmosphere and supporting the overall storytelling.

How does a lighting designer programmer typically collaborate with other production team members during a live event?

A Lighting Designer Programmer works closely with directors, stage managers, and audio-visual teams to ensure that lighting cues are perfectly synchronized with the overall production. During rehearsals and live events, they communicate frequently with these team members to adjust lighting designs in real-time based on performance needs and technical requirements. Collaboration is key, as the lighting must complement set changes, performer movements, and audio elements. This role often involves troubleshooting on the fly and adapting to last-minute changes, making teamwork and clear communication essential.

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

To thrive as a Lighting Designer Programmer, you need a strong background in lighting design principles, electrical systems, and typically a degree in theatre technology or related fields. Proficiency with lighting consoles (such as MA Lighting or ETC), programming software, and CAD visualisation tools is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with directors and production teams. These skills ensure precise, dynamic lighting designs that enhance performances and meet technical and artistic requirements.

What is the difference between Lighting Designer Programmer vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLighting Designer ProgrammerLighting Technician
CredentialsLighting design certifications, programming skillsTechnical certifications, electrical knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, live events, theatersOn-site at venues, installation sites
Employer & IndustryEvent production companies, theaters, concertsProduction companies, touring shows, installations

Lighting Designer Programmers focus on creating lighting designs and programming lighting control systems, while Lighting Technicians handle installation, setup, and maintenance of lighting equipment. Both roles require technical skills, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

Are lighting designer programmers in demand?

Lighting designer programmers are in demand in the entertainment, theater, and event production industries, especially as technology advances and integrated lighting systems become more complex. Skills in programming lighting control software like DMX, MIDI, and visual programming tools increase employability, with opportunities often available for those with experience in design and technical troubleshooting.

How much does a lighting designer programmer get paid?

Lighting designer programmers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Salaries can increase with proficiency in programming languages like DMX, MIDI, or Art-Net, and familiarity with lighting control software such as GrandMA or Vectorworks.
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer Programmer job openings in Colorado as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution.

Lighting Designer and Head Electrician | Vilar & Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Avon, CO • On-site

Vail Valley Foundation
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Vail Valley Foundationexternal

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the venue lighting designer and head electrician for performances, rentals, festivals, and special events.

  • Design, program, and execute lighting designs for various performance types and events.

  • Lead part-time stage crew to execute light hangs, focuses, and restores safely and efficiently.

Job description

The Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) is looking for a talented, motivated and experienced Lighting Designer and Head Electrician to provide creative, artistic and technical leadership for lighting at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

This role is a critical piece of the Vilar and GRFA teams to provide an exceptional experience to the audiences, artists, performers and guest production staff presented at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. This role requires exceptional artistic judgment, creative interpretation, advanced lighting design skill, strong production leadership and the ability to translate artist, designer, client, and venue needs into compelling lighting environments that enhance the audience and artist experience.

The Vilar & GRFA Lighting Designer and Head Electrician works with the Vilar & GRFA Production Teams to execute all events and performances and reports to the Vilar & GRFA Technical Director. Hours are variable: early mornings, late nights and long hours will be required depending on the production schedule, and will vary day-to-day, week-to-week, and season-to-season.

  • Serve as the venue lighting designer and head electrician for the Vilar and GRFA, providing creative, artistic and technical leadership for lighting across performances, rentals, festivals and special events, including serving as Production Team lead on select performances as assigned.
  • Design, program, and execute lighting designs for a wide variety of performance types and events using the Vilar & GRFA’s repertory lighting plots.
  • Lead part-time stage crew to execute light hangs, focuses and restores in a safe and efficient manner to adapt lighting designs to fit tour specifications and/or restrictions.
  • Oversee and support Touring Lighting Designers and/or Head Electricians as primary point of contact during load-in, run of show and load-out, including tying in to Vilar system and providing support/troubleshooting as needed.
  • Maintain all Vilar and GRFA lighting-related infrastructure, gear, systems and peripherals, and help manage other Vilar production/technical infrastructure, gear, systems and peripherals.
  • Advise Vilar & GRFA Production Management with ongoing and off-season projects, major capital projects and improvements.
  • Oversee installation of Lighting equipment, Hanging, focusing, and wiring of fixtures.
  • Manage power distribution and maintain safety compliance for our equipment as well as touring lighting power needs.
  • Ad hoc projects as assigned.
Other Responsibilities
  • Supervise part-time, seasonal and overhire crew, including assigning work, directing priorities, monitoring performance, ensuring safe work practices and providing technical guidance.
  • Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, evaluating and retaining part-time and seasonal lighting and stage crew, including technical arts apprentices.
  • Provide input regarding crew performance, continued employment, advancement, disciplinary issues, future hiring needs, labor allocation and staffing plans.
  • Review, verify, and approve lighting-related crew schedules, labor allocations, time entries and timecard submissions as assigned.
  • Establish and maintain lighting department standards for programming, cueing, paperwork, power distribution, data distribution, equipment handling, safety practices, maintenance, inventory and venue restore procedures.
  • Perform other production leadership, administrative, technical planning, supervisory and venue-related duties as assigned.
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