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Senior Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical Engineering or senior staff, provides design, analysis and engineering for lighting, lighting control ...

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical Engineering or senior staff, provides design, analysis and engineering for lighting, lighting control ...

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$70K - $85K/yr

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical Engineering or senior staff, provides design, analysis and engineering for lighting, lighting control ...

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical Engineering or senior staff, provides design, analysis and engineering for lighting, lighting control ...

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical Engineering or senior staff, provides design, analysis and engineering for lighting, lighting control ...

Lighting Designer II

Manhattan, NY ยท Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

The Lighting Designer II performs lighting design and oversees documentation of a variety of ... Senior position within the lighting department with responsibility to manage mentoring, workload ...

Work under the guidance of more-senior staff, as well as working independently, to support design ... Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) through IALD * Master's degree in Architectural Lighting or ...

Exterior Lighting Designer

Dearborn, MI ยท On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Lighting Designer for our design studios in Dearborn. Working on Advanced & Production lighting projects, the successful candidate ...

Lighting Designer II

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$120K/yr

The Lighting Designer II performs lighting design and oversees documentation of a variety of ... Senior position within the lighting department with responsibility to manage mentoring, workload ...

Work under the guidance of more-senior staff, as well as working independently, to support design ... Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) through IALD * Master's degree in Architectural Lighting or ...

Assists in planning, developing and coordinating integrated interior and exterior architectural lighting design solutions in conjunction with Project Lighting Designer or more senior staff.

Exterior Lighting Designer

Dearborn, MI ยท On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Lighting Designer for our design studios in Dearborn.Working on Advanced & Production lighting projects, the successful candidate ...

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Senior Lighting Designer information

See salary details

$59K

$105.9K

$131K

How much do senior lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior lighting designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Lighting Designer typically collaborate with architects and other design professionals on large-scale projects?

A Senior Lighting Designer works closely with architects, interior designers, and engineers to ensure that lighting solutions complement the overall vision and functionality of a space. This collaboration often involves participating in design meetings, reviewing architectural plans, and providing technical guidance on lighting layouts, fixture selection, and energy efficiency. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as the lighting designer must balance aesthetic considerations with practical constraints like budgets, regulations, and installation timelines. These professionals also frequently lead project teams and mentor junior designers, supporting both creative and technical project goals.

What is the difference between Senior Lighting Designer vs Lighting Designer?

AspectSenior Lighting DesignerLighting Designer
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years experience, relevant certifications, and advanced knowledgeEntry to mid-level experience, foundational certifications, and basic knowledge
Work EnvironmentLead projects, collaborate with clients and teams, oversee design developmentAssist in design tasks, support senior staff, and execute lighting plans
Industry UsageUsed across architecture, theater, film, and event industries for complex projectsCommonly employed in smaller projects or as part of a team in various industries

The main difference between a Senior Lighting Designer and a Lighting Designer lies in experience, responsibilities, and project scope. Senior Lighting Designers typically lead projects and have more advanced credentials, while Lighting Designers support project execution at an entry or mid-level. Both roles are essential in the lighting industry, but the senior position involves greater leadership and expertise.

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

To thrive as a Senior Lighting Designer, you need expertise in lighting design principles, architectural understanding, and a degree in lighting, architecture, or a related field, often complemented by several years of professional experience. Mastery of technical tools like AutoCAD, Revit, Dialux, and lighting control systems, as well as relevant certifications such as LC (Lighting Certified), is typically required. Strong project management, creative problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities ensure innovative, functional, and visually compelling lighting solutions that meet client needs and project specifications.

What does a Senior Lighting Designer do?

A Senior Lighting Designer is responsible for creating and implementing lighting solutions for architectural, theatrical, or event projects. They work closely with clients, architects, and engineers to develop lighting concepts that enhance aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. Their role often involves designing lighting plans, selecting fixtures, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Senior Lighting Designers also oversee project budgets, timelines, and coordinate with contractors during installation. Their expertise ensures that lighting enhances both the visual appeal and usability of spaces.
More about Senior Lighting Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Lighting Designer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Lighting Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs? The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Lighting Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Lighting Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Lighting Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Lighting Designer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,882 per year, or $50.9 per hour.
Lighting Designer

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

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 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 types, including commercial, institutional, government, and mixed-use projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and eager to grow their technical and design skills in a collaborative team environment.
Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.
General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following
  • Assist in the development of lighting design concepts under the direction of senior staff
  • Perform lighting calculations using software such as AGi32, ElumTools, or LightStanza
  • Create lighting layouts and details in Revit and/or AutoCAD
  • Support the preparation of specifications, schedules, and lighting control strategies
  • Coordinate with architects, interior designers, and engineers to integrate lighting into the overall design
  • Conduct research on lighting products and technologies
  • Assist with the preparation of presentations, renderings, and documentation

Required Experience
  • Experience with IES standards, energy codes, and NEC
  • Knowledge of daylighting strategies, including LEED/WELL design concepts
  • Working knowledge of Revit and lighting control systems
  • Membership or interest in IES, IALD, or similar professional 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.