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Lighting Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Clark Nexsen

Lighting Designer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

We are seeking a Lighting Designer to join our electrical team and will work under the direction of a senior engineer/designer. This individual will support lighting design for a variety of building ...

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How much do lighting engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lighting engineer in Virginia is $34.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.53 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lighting Engineer, and why are they important?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

How much do lighting engineers make?

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 with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Salaries may also vary based on the complexity of projects and the size of the employer.

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.

What Do Lighting Engineers 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What does a Lighting Engineer do?

A Lighting Engineer designs, develops, and maintains lighting systems for various settings such as theaters, film productions, architectural projects, and events. They work with lighting equipment, electrical systems, and control software to create desired visual effects while ensuring safety and compliance with standards. Strong technical skills and knowledge of lighting technology are essential for this role.

What are Lighting Engineers?

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 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.
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What cities in Virginia are hiring for Lighting Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Lighting Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Engineer jobs in VA? For Lighting Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lighting Engineer jobs near you
Junior Lighting Engineer

Junior Lighting Engineer

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Regent University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Junior Lighting Engineer
Job no: 50000445
Work type: Full time
Location: Virginia Beach
Categories: Staff & Administration
The Junior Lighting Engineer reports to the Director of Media Services Operations and is responsible for the operation of lighting for all University classes, events, and productions, including the University's upcoming Athletic Complex. This includes providing oversight of lighting equipment, staff operators, administration, and technical performance of all University lighting event systems. In addition, this position is responsible to design, document, and execute designs for basic University groups and outside groups.
Work Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Essential duties:
  • Design and execute lighting for basic events across campus
  • Design and execute lighting production for university events, recordings, and Athletic Complex productions
  • Provide timely on-call help to faculty, staff, and students in the proper use of the lighting equipment and systems in all spaces on campus
  • Provide day to day lighting support for all university spaces
  • Responsible for inventory of university lighting equipment
  • Responsible for routine maintenance of all university lighting equipment
  • Provide training and supervision to assigned Media Services Student Workers and Graduate Assistants
  • Recommend purchase of lighting equipment and systems

Additional Responsibilities:
  • Provide on-call help to professors having problems with their AV equipment
  • Ability to safely operate vehicles (including golf carts and trucks) for transport and delivery of equipment
  • Assist in the installation of all AV equipment across campus

Qualifications:
  • One to three years minimum experience required, three to five years preferred, of hands-on experience using standard audiovisual equipment: sound, video, computers
  • Ability to deploy and support Lighting Networks, Lighting Equipment, DMX setup, and EOS lighting Consoles
  • Familiarity with industry-standard lighting control protocols and platforms; formal ETC training or certification preferred
  • Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as required
  • Ability to occasionally move equipment, climb ladders, and lift equipment of 50-75 lbs. required

Candidates must have:
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully supervise others
  • Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with other people
  • Ability to use standard word processing & spreadsheet software for reports, graphics, and statistics
  • Ability to plan and organize your own work with limited supervision
  • Commitment to Regent's core values of Excellence, Innovation, and Integrity

Regent University does not discriminate in employment in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status. For full Non-Discrimination Policy click here.
Benefits
Regent offers a wide range of generous benefits including health, life and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; tuition incentives; fully vested retirement plans; life and disability insurance options, time off, and more. All regular faculty and staff serving at Regent and working a minimum of 30 hours per week will receive an attractive benefits package.
Advertised: 10 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 31 Dec 2026 Eastern Standard Time
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