ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lighting Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Purple Hires Inc

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Exterior Lighting Engineer - Location: Irvine, CA Responsibilities * MUST HAVE experience as a Lighting DRE (Min 3 years) * Good knowledge of Automotive exterior lighting systems along with Key ...

Livenation

Lighting Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Spotlight Operations/Lighting Control Boards operation & programming * Maintenance and repair of lighting equipment * Assist with Production throughout the house as needed * Accommodate artist/ event ...

Livenation

Lighting Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

Spotlight Operations/Lighting Control Boards operation & programming * Maintenance and repair of lighting equipment * Assist with Production throughout the house as needed * Accommodate artist/ event ...

Livenation

Lighting Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

Spotlight Operations/Lighting Control Boards operation & programming * Maintenance and repair of lighting equipment * Assist with Production throughout the house as needed * Accommodate artist/ event ...

Zoox

Senior Trim & Lighting Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$195K - $235K/yr

As a Senior Trim & Lighting Engineer on Zoox's Vehicle Engineering team, you will be the engineering point of contact for interior, exterior, seating, and lighting attachment and integration design.

Zoox

Senior Trim & Lighting Engineer

Foster City, CA

$195K - $235K/yr

As a Senior Trim & Lighting Engineer on Zoox's Vehicle Engineering team, you will be the engineering point of contact for interior, exterior, seating, and lighting attachment and integration design.

Tanisha Systems

Be Seen First

Junior Exterior Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $3.5K/mo

Junior Exterior Lighting Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Duration: Fulltime Responsibilities **Good knowledge of Automotive exterior lighting systems along with Key components (Head Lamp, Tail Lamp ...

Tanisha Systems

Be Seen First

Junior Exterior Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $3.5K/mo

Junior Exterior Lighting Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Duration: Fulltime Responsibilities **Good knowledge of Automotive exterior lighting systems along with Key components (Head Lamp, Tail Lamp ...

Tanisha Systems

Be Seen First

Junior Exterior Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $3.5K/mo

Junior Exterior Lighting Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Duration: Fulltime Responsibilities **Good knowledge of Automotive exterior lighting systems along with Key components (Head Lamp, Tail Lamp ...

Zoox

Senior Trim & Lighting Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$195K - $235K/yr

As a Senior Trim & Lighting Engineer on Zoox's Vehicle Engineering team, you will be the engineering point of contact for interior, exterior, seating, and lighting attachment and integration design.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLighting Engineer JobsLighting Engineer Jobs in California

Lighting Engineer information

See California salary details

$22

$35

$55

How much do lighting engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lighting engineer in California is $35.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.30 and $37.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lighting engineer?

Lighting Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and manage lighting systems for a variety of spaces, such as theaters, film sets, architectural projects, and public events. They ensure that lighting enhances visibility, safety, and aesthetics while also meeting technical and energy efficiency requirements. Lighting Engineers work closely with architects, designers, and other engineers to create effective lighting solutions that meet the needs of each project.

What does a lighting engineer do?

A lighting engineer or technician works on the lights and their accompanying equipment for live or recorded entertainment. As a lighting engineer, your duties include inspection and testing of these electrical fixtures, as well as the development of a set-up and setting that works best for the show. You work collaboratively with stage and camera techs to create both functional and visually appealing lighting. Experience in the specific type of show you are lighting is beneficial, as lights for a theater performance are different than a rock concert.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lighting engineer?

To thrive as a Lighting Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, lighting design, and relevant safety codes, often backed by a degree in engineering or related fields. Familiarity with lighting simulation software (such as DIALux or AGi32), CAD tools, and knowledge of industry standards are typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help in collaborating with architects, designers, and clients to achieve optimal lighting solutions. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing lighting systems that meet project specifications and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by lighting engineers when working on large-scale projects?

Lighting Engineers on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments, adapting designs to budget constraints, and ensuring compliance with safety and energy regulations. Balancing creative lighting concepts with practical installation limitations can also be demanding. Effective communication with architects, project managers, and electricians is essential to keep projects on track and achieve the desired results. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills and flexibility to adapt to evolving project needs.

What is the difference between Lighting Engineer vs Lighting Designer?

AspectLighting EngineerLighting Designer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in lighting or electrical engineeringDesign-focused education, architecture or interior design background
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, technical planning, electrical systemsArchitectural projects, creative design, client presentations
Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure, technical lighting projectsArchitectural, theatrical, interior design projects

Lighting Engineers focus on technical aspects, electrical systems, and ensuring compliance, while Lighting Designers emphasize aesthetic, creative concepts, and user experience. Both roles collaborate but serve different primary functions within lighting projects.

How much does a lighting engineer earn?

Lighting engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized lighting engineers can earn higher salaries, especially when working on large projects or in high-demand markets.
More about Lighting Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Lighting Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lighting Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Lighting Engineer jobs in CA?

For Lighting Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lighting Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,238 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA • On-site

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group
See more jobs at Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Groupexternal

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Location: Irvine, CA


Responsibilities


  • MUST HAVE experience as a Lighting DRE (Min 3 years)
  • Good knowledge of Automotive exterior lighting systems along with Key components (Head Lamp, Tail Lamp, Center light panel, corner lamps)
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in automotive interior and exterior lighting design
  • Work with Styling team to perform feasibility studies, Check A-class surface and define craftsman ship target.
  • Ability to create and completion of all lighting components and perform manufacturing feasibility
  • Design of automotive component parts in CATIA V6.
  • Actively engage with Tier-I suppliers to collaborate on design projects for trading off cost, mass, joining methods, molding and testing performance.
  • Good knowledge of manufacturing processes
  • Complete and release lighting components, sub-system and detail designs
  • Interpret simulation results and integrate recommendations into product design


Apply