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Lighting Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Design and Release Engineer - Exterior

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$37 - $42.25/hr

Exterior Lighting Engineer Dearborn, MI | Hybrid Schedule Are you passionate about automotive lighting, product development, and vehicle technology? We are seeking an experienced Exterior Lighting ...

Provide technical guidance to product designers and engineers on integrating lighting solutions into product designs. * Research and recommend appropriate lighting technologies, components, and ...

Possess / demonstrate the engineering knowledge and understanding to design, analyze, and engineer electrical systems for the installation, interconnection, and control of lighting systems, sizing of ...

Possess / demonstrate the engineering knowledge and understanding to design, analyze, and engineer electrical systems for the installation, interconnection, and control of lighting systems, sizing of ...

* Design and simulate body interior lighting systems * Support all phases of engineering from design concept to production release * Work with Design Studio, D&R Engineers, and CAD designers globally ...

Lighting Hardware Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Lighting Hardware Engineer Location: Allen Park, Michigan Expertise: Automotive Exterior Lighting, Hardware & Power Electronics Job Summary: * Develop automotive exterior lighting hardware for ...

Showing results 21-40

Lighting Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$20

$33

$51

How much do lighting engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lighting engineer in Michigan is $33.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.66 and $35.34 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.

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Lighting Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Lighting Engineer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Lighting Engineer job openings in Michigan 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 $69,653 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Design and Release Engineer - Exterior

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Epitec
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees

$37 - $42.25/hr

Contractor

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

  • Location: Dearborn, Michigan
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #106565

Now Hiring: Exterior Lighting Engineer
Dearborn, MI | Hybrid Schedule
Are you passionate about automotive lighting, product development, and vehicle technology? We are seeking an experienced Exterior Lighting Engineer to join a core engineering team responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of exterior lighting systems across multiple vehicle programs.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the future of in-house lighting development, supporting Build-to-Print (BTP) initiatives while collaborating across mechanical, electrical, optical, and systems engineering disciplines.
What You'll Do
Lead engineering activities for exterior lighting systems, including:
  • Headlamps
  • Taillamps
  • CHMSLs
  • Fog Lamps
  • License Plate Lamps

Develop and review lighting CAD using CATIA V5, Teamcenter, and related tools
Perform hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis of lighting system issues
Conduct laboratory investigations using:
  • Microscopes
  • Multimeters
  • Hand and power tools
  • Electrical testing equipment

Support optical system design and lighting performance improvements
Drive design-for-manufacturing initiatives with a focus on injection molding and component manufacturability
Collaborate with purchasing, suppliers, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams to deliver production-ready lighting systems
Lead and participate in:
  • Technical Design Reviews
  • DFMEAs
  • DVP&R development
  • Boundary Diagrams
  • P-Diagrams
  • SCCAFs
  • Failure Mode Avoidance activities

Support sourcing activities, cost studies, weight analysis, validation plans, and launch readiness
Required Qualifications
? Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
? 5+ years of experience in automotive lighting design, development, validation, or launch
? Strong experience with:
  • CATIA V5
  • Teamcenter
  • CAD/CAE tools
  • Design Release Engineering
  • Automotive Product Development

? Knowledge of:
  • Injection molding processes
  • GD&T
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
  • Benchmarking and feasibility studies

? Experience managing multiple engineering issues and cross-functional priorities
Preferred Qualifications
7+ years of automotive lighting experience
Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer (DRE) background
Optical engineering experience
Mechatronics and software literacy
DFMEA, PFMEA, SCCAF, and DVP&R expertise
8D and 5 Why problem-solving methodologies
Six Sigma principles
Experience with manufacturing processes and vehicle launch support
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