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Lighting Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Lighting Designer About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we ... Job Summary This position requires a self-motivated individual with strong time management ...

Job Summary This position requires a self-motivated individual with strong time management ... Provide lighting design solutions appropriate to the client brief, budget, and relevant standards.

Manage the completion of various electrical tasks * Troubleshooting electrical issues * Electrical ... Understanding of lighting material and applications * Working knowledge of installing electrical ...

Lighting Technician

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Manage the completion of various electrical tasks * Troubleshooting electrical issues * Electrical ... Understanding of lighting material and applications * Working knowledge of installing electrical ...

Showing results 21-40

Lighting Manager information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$103.2K

$116.5K

How much do lighting manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting manager in California is $103,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lighting Manager vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLighting ManagerLighting Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications, experience in lighting design and managementTechnical training, certifications in lighting installation and operation
Work EnvironmentOversees lighting projects, manages teams, plans lighting setupsPerforms installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lighting equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in event production, theater, film, and large-scale projectsCommon in construction, stage setup, and technical support roles

The Lighting Manager focuses on overseeing lighting projects, managing teams, and planning lighting designs, while the Lighting Technician handles the hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lighting equipment. Both roles are essential in the lighting industry but differ in responsibilities and scope.

What are some common challenges lighting managers face during live productions, and how can they be addressed?

Lighting Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes to set design, unpredictable venue conditions, and balancing creative vision with technical limitations. To address these, it's important to maintain clear communication with directors, stage managers, and crew, and to stay adaptable with backup plans and flexible lighting designs. Experience with troubleshooting and strong organizational skills help ensure that lighting cues are executed smoothly, even under tight deadlines or unexpected circumstances.

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

To thrive as a Lighting Manager, you need expertise in lighting design, electrical systems, and project management, often supported by a degree in lighting design, technical theater, or a related field. Familiarity with lighting control consoles, CAD software, and industry-standard fixtures, as well as certifications like ETCP, is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help coordinate teams and adapt to changing production needs. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring creative vision, technical reliability, and safety in live or filmed productions.

What does a lighting manager do?

A Lighting Manager is responsible for overseeing the design, installation, and operation of lighting systems for events, performances, film sets, or venues. They work closely with directors, designers, and technicians to create the desired visual effects and ensure proper illumination on stage or set. Their duties include planning lighting layouts, managing equipment, supervising lighting crews, and troubleshooting technical issues during productions. Lighting Managers also ensure that all lighting complies with safety standards and meets the artistic vision of the project.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting jobs in California? The most popular types of Lighting jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Lighting Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lighting Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lighting Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Lighting Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lighting Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $103,206 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

AlfaTech

Monrovia, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Sr. Lighting Designer


About Us

At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading consulting engineering firm, we provide thoughtful engineering design that is technologically forward thinking, innovative, and environmentally conscious, ensuring that our contribution to our built environment is flexible, sustainable, and lasting across all the market segments we serve.

If you're driven by a passion for engineering, innovation, and making a difference, if you thrive on challenges and adapt quickly to change, and if you are looking to be part of a dynamic team of empowered, smart, energized, professionals, then AlfaTech is the place for you.

Job Summary

This position requires a self-motivated individual with strong time management, organizational, and communication skills. A successful candidate will be highly analytical, possess exceptional problem-solving skills, and have the ability to multi-task.

In this role, you will be relied upon to perform various engineering and lighting design activities under the mentorship and guidance of senior engineering staff. This individual must have the ability to work as a productive and engaged team member in a fast-paced environment. Strong initiative and follow-through are essential for this job.

Core Responsibilities

  • Responsible for leading the efforts toward the development and completion of lighting design and documentation necessary to complete project deliverables.
  • Perform a wide array of design functions, including lighting concepts, lighting calculations, illuminance levels, research of fixture alternatives, review fixture samples, construction of temporary mockups, etc.
  • Perform research and analysis of design options. Prepare the basis of design reports.
  • Provide lighting design solutions appropriate to the client brief, budget, and relevant standards.
  • Create presentations, graphics, renderings, and imageboards.
  • Attend client meetings with the ability to present and explain lighting design concepts.
  • Produce drawings consistent with client requirements and standards.
  • Perform submittal reviews and ensure timely response to RFI's.
  • Oversee the lighting design documentation via CAD layouts, lighting details, light fixture schedules, and lighting control specifications.
  • Review cost estimates of project lighting specifications and adjust lighting design to meet the client's budget.
  • Review the construction progress of lighting installation at the project site and issue field reports to the design team.
  • Conduct quality reviews.
  • Supervise final aiming of light fixtures and lighting controls programming.
  • Track project timelines and project deliverables.
  • Manage tasks as required to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget.
  • Coordinate, support, and communicate with colleagues across disciplines.
  • 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.
  • Interface with other disciplines involved in the design team to coordinate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.

This is meant to summarize the role's responsibilities and provide some information and structure. At AlfaTech we encourage our staff to think outside the box and explore opportunities beyond the confines of one's stated responsibilities to bring new thoughts, ideas, and innovations to our company.

Ideal Candidate

  • Excellent communication, graphic, and verbal presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated experience as a self-directed, pro-active, and highly-motivated team player.
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with internal and external business partners.
  • Proclivity for catching the error and enacting appropriate changes.
  • Keep current on lighting technology and design trends.
  • Member and participant of industry-related organizations such as IALD and IES.
  • Bachelor's degree in Lighting Design, or Architecture/Interiors degree with supplemental lighting training.
  • Certified Lighting Designer (CLD), preferred.
  • LEED Accreditation.


Essential Requirements

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience designing lighting systems and performing lighting calculations for commercial buildings, hospitals, and institutional facilities.
  • Minimum of five to seven years' experience working with a design-build contractor or consulting engineering firm.
  • Solid knowledge of codes, standards, and construction/engineering processes.
  • Proficient with computer graphics software including AutoCAD, Revit, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bluebeam Revu, and SharePoint.


Salary Range

This is a hybrid role. It is anticipated that the working days in the office will be done at our Monrovia, CA office. The expected salary range for candidates who will work in Monrovia, CA is $90,000 - $100,000. The final offer to our new team member will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the length, breadth, and depth of experience within the job and the industry, education, etc. ATCE is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.