Designer - Lighting

MCE; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Hybrid/work flexible

Parking allowance or transit pass

Job summary

Michaud Cooley Erickson is seeking a motivated Lighting Designer to join our team. This entry‑level role focuses on developing the foundation for designing lighting systems and project delivery under the guidance of Project Managers, Lead Designers, and the Engineer of Record.

You will gain hands-on experience on diverse, impactful projects for exceptional clients while building skills in design documentation and coordination in an engineering environment. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Lighting Certified (LC) from NCQLP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops basic lighting design calculations under guidance from PM/Lead Designer.
• Follows MCE design and production standards and documentation processes.
• Drafts floor plans and equipment layouts for lighting systems.
• Assists in creating equipment schedules and lighting control details.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical thinking

Communication

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Lighting software

MS Office

Job description

Description

As a growing firm, Michaud Cooley Erickson is seeking a motivated Lighting Designer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals, expand your technical knowledge, and gain valuable hands‑on experience working on diverse and impactful projects for exceptional clients.

A lighting designer is an entry‑level position focused on developing the foundation for designing lighting systems and project delivery. Working under the guidance of Project Managers, Lead Designers, and Engineer of Record, you will develop the skills necessary to support lighting system design, create project documentation, and contribute to successful project outcomes while advancing your professional growth and career development.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Lighting Design

• Develops the skills to perform basic lighting design calculations under the direction of the Project Manager, Lead Designer, and Engineer of Record.
• Follows processes and design direction established in MCE’s master design standards and production standards.
• Develops skills to perform basic lighting selection and layout.
• Develops the skills to complete equipment schedules and specifications for lighting and lighting control systems.
• Develops understanding of basic lighting design software tools for calculating lighting intensity.
• Develops a understanding of energy code requirements for energy usage by lighting systems.
• Assists in setting up lighting mock-ups in MCE’s test lab.

Project Documentation

• Uses design software, while working under the direction of the Project Manager, Lead Designer, and Engineer of Record, to set up the project sheets in the drawing software and draft existing conditions based on sketches provided by others.
• Completes drafting tasks based on hand‑drawn sketches and mark‑ups.
• Develops an understanding of details and schematic diagrams.
• Develops the skills to complete floor plans of design layouts for construction documents.
• Performs site visits and drafts existing conditions into design software.
• Maintains a well‑organized workspace and electronic filing process.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited university or college required
• Lighting Certified (LC) from NCQLP preferred

Required Skills, Abilities, and Attributes

• Able to learn quickly
• Able to apply theoretical knowledge gained in school to practical applications
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills
• High ethical standards
• Honesty and integrity
• Positivity
• Self‑motivated to achieve results
• Written, verbal, and organizational communication skills
• Maintain positive work relationships both internally and externally
• Business casual dress for the work environment

Software Knowledge

• Develops an understanding of how to effectively use Revit and/or AutoCAD
• Develops skills in using in lighting design software tools
• Microsoft Office Suite of products

Physical Demands

• The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to climb a ladder at a job site.

Michaud Cooley Erickson is a full-service engineering firm. We pride ourselves in providing high quality mechanical, electrical, lighting, fire protection, security, technology systems and energy management solutions for clients, as well as unprecedented commissioning to facilitate efficient operation of systems.

Benefits

Design your career and future with MCE! In return, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits that support your health and wealth, including:

• Great Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits
• Employer paid short term/long term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with generous employer match
• Paid community service day and floating holiday
• Flexible workplace options-in office and hybrid
• Monthly parking allowance or bus pass

Salary Range

$62,800 - $72,500 annually. Individual employee compensation is determined with a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, knowledge, skills, geography, and performance. Depending on the position offered, employee may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as annual incentives.

Sponsorship is not available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

MCE is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.