Mid Level Autodesk Internships Jobs in California

Lighting Designer (Mid-Level): Building Construction

Locations: San Diego, CA (hybrid work schedule)

About the Role

We're looking for a skilled Mid-Level Lighting Designer to expand our growing lighting department. You'll work directly under our Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) leadership, taking on increasing responsibility for design direction, project coordination, and junior staff mentorship. This is an ideal role for someone with solid Revit proficiency and lighting design fundamentals who is ready to lead design concepts, guide technical execution, and grow into a senior design leadership position.

Your Impact

• Lead lighting design concepts and direction on assigned projects, from schematic design through construction documentation, working closely with the Lighting Department Director.
• Develop and coordinate Revit models across all project phases, keeping lighting aligned with architectural, mechanical, and electrical work.
• Perform photometric calculations, renderings, and energy use studies to validate target light levels are met and design intent is well executed.
• Generate light fixture schedules and cutsheet packages.
• Conduct submittal reviews respond to RFIs and ensure constructability and budget within your design.
• Create comprehensive client presentations and illustrations to communicate design intent to clearly convey design to clients, justify recommendations, and respond to feedback with clarity.
• Coordinate with architects, our integrated MEP team, and clients from concept through construction, flagging risks and proposing solutions early.
• Mentor junior designers and review their work for quality, consistency, and department standards.
• Bring a strategic designer's eye and implement design direction while meeting project criteria established.
• Support a broad spectrum of projects: healthcare, higher education, commercial office, life science, high-rise multifamily, public sector, retail/hospitality, exterior site, and themed campus.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in lighting design, architectural engineering, architecture, interior design, or a related field.
• 4–7 years relevant experience in architectural lighting design with proven track record of successfully completed projects.
• Expert Revit proficiency—you carry complex models and resolve coordination issues on your own.
• Working knowledge of Title 24, IES recommended lighting practices, DarkSky and local applicable codes.
• Hands-on experience with photometric software (LightStanza or similar) and the ability to produce clear renderings and studies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead design concepts, explain your rationale, and respond constructively to revisions.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and commitment to client satisfaction.
• Good communication skills and the ability to keep Lighting Department Director current with all aspects of your project work, client interactions and mentor junior designers with patience and clarity.
• A portfolio (required): including completed projects and able to discuss concepts, approach, successes and lessons.

Nice to Have (Preferred)

• Working knowledge of lighting controls platforms
• NCQLP LC, IALD, CLD or interest in pursuing certification with support from a Certified Lighting Designer.
• Membership or involvement in IES and/or IALD.
• Accredited LEED or WELL
• Comfort with Excel, Bluebeam, PowerPoint, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and Claude.

Benefits & Development

• Direct mentorship and career guidance from a Certified Lighting Designer, on a clear path toward senior design and project leadership.
• Ownership of live projects, with room to grow your design voice.
• Competitive salary—$85K–$115K based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits: health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
• Support for IES membership.
• Schedule of four nine-hour days with a half day on Friday, so you get the most out of your weekend.
• Hybrid working schedule: four days in the office, one day remote.

Why This Role is a Great Fit

• Design Leadership at Your Level: implement collaborative design concepts and direction on your projects while working closely with experienced leadership.
• Career Path: mentored directly by a CLD on a clear track toward senior design and project leadership.
• Integrated Team: sit inside an MEP engineering firm, so designs are well coordinated and deliverables are seamlessly integrated.
• Design-First Culture: your judgment and your point of view are valued and developed here.

To apply, please send your resume, portfolio, and a letter of interest.