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Lighting Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Clark Nexsen

Lighting Practice Leader

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Manage lighting project budgets and timelines * Motivate and lead the lighting studio, supervise junior staff and contribute to staff development * Develop and maintain relations with various Clark ...

Shades of Light,LLC

Lighting Finisher I

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$16/hr

Lighting Hardware Finisher Days/Hours Required : Mon - Friday, 8am-4pm EST Hourly/Salary : 16.00/hr ... All other duties assigned by management. Qualifications : * High school, GED, or equivalent diploma

Lighting Maintenance

Journeyman Electrician

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Electrician Roadway Foreman - Norfolk, VA Full-Time | Field Department Lighting Maintenance Inc ... managers, inspectors, customers, and other field personnel as needed Position Requirements ...

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Lighting Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$28.8K

$103.7K

$117K

How much do lighting manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting manager in Virginia is $103,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $115,500.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Lighting jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Manager jobs in Virginia? For Lighting Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lighting Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Lighting Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Lighting Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Lighting Manager job openings:
Lighting Manager jobs near you

Lighting Practice Leader

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 446 rated engineering

Job description


Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients-while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.
We are looking for a Lighting Practice Leader who will be responsible for performing, directing, and supervising all aspects of lighting design across a diverse portfolio of projects. This role will oversee the full design process, from concept through construction, and will mentor junior designers. The ideal candidate is a creative, technically skilled, and client-focused professional with a strong portfolio in architectural lighting and the built environment.
Compensation for this position is $125,000.00 - $140,000.00, commensurate with experience, education and certifications. The provided range is a good faith estimate based on the requirements described within the job description. We notice that we receive a wide variety of applicants and recognize that the person selected may be less experienced or more experienced. If so, the actual salary range may vary from the estimate provided.
General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Lead lighting designer for complex projects across various markets (e.g., education, government, healthcare, workplace, civic)
  • Develop innovative lighting concepts that integrate with architectural intent, within a multi-disciplinary firm with a focus on Integrated Design
  • Perform advanced lighting calculations, daylighting analysis, and energy code compliance
  • Oversee preparation of drawings, lighting layouts, schedules, specifications, and control strategies
  • Coordinate with internal and external design teams, clients, and consultants
  • Conduct site visits, mock-ups, and inspections
  • Manage lighting project budgets and timelines
  • Motivate and lead the lighting studio, supervise junior staff and contribute to staff development
  • Develop and maintain relations with various Clark Nexsen offices to ensure lighting design quality control / quality assurance is consistent, regardless of location
  • Interview, hire, and terminate staff when authorized. Evaluate the performance of department members and make recommendations for salary adjustments
  • Develop methods to incorporate "accountability" into individual performance
  • Monitor morale of the department
  • Develop systems of reward to recognize outstanding performance
  • Conduct annual department staff reviews and participate with Senior Leadership in review of staff assignments. Review and approve department staff timesheets and expense reports

Required Experience
  • Graduate of an ABET-accredited program with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, or related field
  • 10+ years of professional lighting design experience
  • Proficiency in AGi32, Elumtools or LightStanza, Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Deep understanding of lighting technologies, controls, and code compliance
  • Excellent verbal and visual communication skills
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating creative and technical lighting design

Preferred Experience:
  • LC (Lighting Certified), LEED AP, or WELL AP
  • Experience with daylight modeling, parametric tools, or visualization software
  • Active involvement in IES, IALD, or similar organizations

Working Conditions
At JMT, we prioritize a healthy work/life balance and offer a flexible hybrid working schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work in a JMT office location at least three days per week or as needed to perform assigned duties. While most of our work is desk-based, there may be times when standing, walking, bending and lifting of minimal weight are required. Our office environment is comfortable, has adequate lighting and temperature, and is free from noise, dust, and other hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
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