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Lighting Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ISG

Lighting Designer

Mankato, MN · On-site

Lighting Designer Department: Electrical + Technology Employment Type: Full Time Location: Mankato ... direct and indirect components. We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of ...

LPA Design Studios

Lighting Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$66K - $97K/yr

Mentorship from Managing Directors, Design Directors, and senior team members across disciplines ... A passion for architectural lighting design. * Interest in working in a collaborative ...

ISG

Lighting Designer

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$65K - $130K/yr

Lighting Designer Department: Electrical + Technology Employment Type: Full Time Location ... direct and indirect components. We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of ...

DanceOne

Lighting Technician

Orlando, FL · On-site

... direct impact on our events' success. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy ... L1 Lighting Technician Department / Team: Orlando Production Location: Orlando, FL Type: Seasonal ...

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · 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.

Livewire

Lighting Designer

Fargo, ND · On-site

Lighting Designer FTE: 1.0 | Exempt Location: Fargo, North Dakota Requires travel: Yes; company ... Work with Clients, Project Managers and Technical Directors to understand their vision and needs ...

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · Hybrid

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.

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Lighting Director information

What does a Lighting Director do?

A Lighting Director is responsible for designing, coordinating, and executing the lighting for live events, television shows, theater productions, or film sets. They work closely with directors, producers, and set designers to create the right mood, visibility, and effects. Their job includes selecting lighting equipment, programming lighting cues, and overseeing a team of technicians to ensure smooth operation. Attention to detail, creativity, and technical expertise are essential for this role.

What does a lighting director do?

A lighting director is responsible for designing, planning, and executing lighting setups for productions such as theater, television, or film. They select and operate lighting equipment, collaborate with the creative team to achieve the desired visual effects, and ensure proper lighting safety and technical standards. Strong knowledge of lighting technology, color theory, and attention to detail are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Lighting Director position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lighting Director, you need a strong understanding of lighting design principles, electrical systems, and visual storytelling, often supported by experience in theatre, film, or television production. Proficiency with lighting consoles, DMX control systems, and lighting design software such as Vectorworks or Lightwright is typically required, and certifications like ETCP can be advantageous. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential for coordinating with directors, technicians, and other creative team members. These skills ensure effective execution of lighting plans that enhance the visual impact of live and recorded productions while maintaining safety and efficiency.

How do you become a lighting director?

To become a lighting director, individuals typically gain experience by working in entry-level lighting or stage crew roles, develop skills in lighting design and operation, and often pursue training or certification in lighting technology or theater production. Building a strong portfolio and understanding of lighting equipment, such as DMX controllers and lighting consoles, is essential for advancing in this field.

What are some typical challenges a Lighting Director might face during a production?

Lighting Directors often face challenges such as working within tight timeframes, adapting to unexpected changes in set design or schedules, and addressing technical issues like power limitations or malfunctioning equipment. They must quickly troubleshoot problems while ensuring that lighting cues align seamlessly with the overall production. Additionally, coordinating and communicating with directors, stage managers, and other departments is key to staying aligned on creative vision and logistics. The ability to stay calm under pressure and adjust plans as needed is crucial for maintaining a high-quality production environment.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Lighting Directors in the entertainment industry can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, high-profile projects, or working on large productions. Other high-paying roles in the US that may reach this level include executive positions such as film producers or senior technical directors, often requiring specialized skills, certifications, and long hours.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Lighting Directors in the entertainment industry can earn up to $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, high-profile projects, or working for major productions. Such roles often require advanced technical skills, leadership abilities, and long hours, and compensation varies based on the scale and prestige of the projects involved.
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Lighting Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Lighting Designer

Lighting Designer

ISG

Mankato, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Lighting Designer
Department: Electrical + Technology
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Mankato, MN
Description
Founded in 1973, ISG is a nationally recognized, multi-disciplinary firm offering full-service architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design. We're proud to be a 100% employee-owned company, and we're looking to grow our team with a passionate and creative Lighting Designer.
As a Lighting Designer at ISG, you'll collaborate with a dynamic group of engineers and designers to craft innovative lighting solutions across a diverse range of exciting projects. Your expertise will help shape environments that are not only functional but visually inspiring. You'll work closely with internal design teams and external clients, bringing your artistic vision and technical knowledge to life in every space we create.
If you're driven by design, thrive in a collaborative setting, and want to make a meaningful impact through light, we'd love to meet you!
Essential Duties
Creative Concept Development
  • Partner with architects, interior designers, and engineers to align lighting strategies with overall project goals
  • Design innovative lighting concepts that elevate aesthetics, enhance functionality, and enrich user experience
  • Produce detailed lighting layouts, plans, and visualizations using tools such as AutoCAD and Revit
  • Utilize lighting calculation software (e.g., AGi32, ElumTools) to support design accuracy and performance

Technical Proficiency
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of lighting technologies, fixtures, and control systems
  • Select lighting equipment that balances design intent, energy efficiency, and budget considerations
  • Ensure all designs comply with Life Safety Code and current energy codes
  • Develop lighting control strategies and specify components to meet both code requirements and client expectations
  • Lighting Certification (LC) is a plus, but not required

Lighting Analysis & Calculations
  • Perform photometric calculations to determine appropriate illuminance levels (lux or foot-candles)
  • Analyze and optimize lighting performance to meet project-specific needs

Fixture Selection & Placement
  • Choose fixtures based on photometric characteristics such as beam spread, color temperature, and CRI
  • Strategically position lighting to highlight architectural features, create focal points, and ensure balanced illumination

Collaboration & Communication
  • Coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients to integrate lighting seamlessly into the overall design
  • Contribute to a collaborative, solution-oriented environment that values creativity and innovation
  • Manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced setting while maintaining high-quality design standards

We've listed a compensation range that reflects our expectations for this role, including both direct and indirect components. We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of this range. If you feel you're a strong fit but your compensation needs differ, we're open to a conversation-let's talk.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design, or equivalent experience in the lighting industry
  • 3-5 years of professional experience in architectural lighting design, MEP consulting, or a lighting rep agency
  • Proven ability to apply lighting design principles across a wide range of project types and scales
  • Proficient in design and documentation tools including AutoCAD, Revit, AGi32, and Bluebeam
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent collaboration and problem-solving abilities within multidisciplinary teams
  • Sharp visual sensibility with a strong understanding of aesthetics, color theory, and the storytelling power of light

As part of your application, please submit your portfolio showcasing your lighting design or relevant projects. Include photos, sketches, and descriptions.
ISG Employee Owner Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • Paid time off, pro-rated amount available on your start date
  • Paid holidays and paid volunteer time
  • Paid parental leave
  • Bi-annual profit sharing
  • Employee Ownership Stock Plan (ESOP)
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Life insurance
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Bereavement leave
  • Supplemental voluntary benefits
  • Short term and long-term disability
  • Parking reimbursement, varies on office location
  • Cell phone plan reimbursement
  • Mileage reimbursement for ISG-approved travel

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