Lead Lighting Engineer

David Michael Productions, Inc.; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Free food & snacks

Free uniforms

Vision insurance

Job summary

DAVID MICHAEL PRODUCTIONS INC is seeking a Lead Lighting Engineer to spearhead lighting design across live productions. You will lead a talented team, drive creative concepts, and ensure high quality visual experiences.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in lighting design or related field, 5+ years in live event lighting, and proficiency with industry-standard software and tools. Flexible hours and collaboration are key aspects of this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Lighting Design, Theatre, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in lighting design for live events or productions.
• Proficiency in industry-standard lighting software and tools.
• Strong leadership and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Quarterly firmware updates on consoles and lighting equipment audit.
• Summer/Winter cleaning of moving lights.
• Track gear needing repair or servicing and report to Project Managers.
• Assist with purchasing new equipment and supplies.
• QC power distro, dimmer, and all lighting elements.
• CAD layouts and renderings; assist with rigging plots.
• Design and implement lighting concepts for productions.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and production teams to achieve visuals.
• Manage lighting equipment selection, setup, and maintenance for all projects.
• Oversee training of lighting assistants in warehouse.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Lighting Design or related field

Tools

Lighting software and tools

Job description

About the Role

Join DAVID MICHAEL PRODUCTIONS INC as a Lead Lighting Engineer, where you'll play a pivotal role in creating stunning visual experiences. We're seeking an innovative professional to lead our lighting design efforts, collaborating with a talented team in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Vision insurance

Equipment Management Responsibilities

• Quarterly firmware updates on consoles and lighting equipment audit (deep QC/content check)
• Summer/Winter cleaning of moving lights
• Tracking of gear flagged for repair or out for servicing - oversee repair and communicate out of service inventory to Project Managers.
• Assist with purchasing new equipment and supplies as needed
• QC power distro, dimmer, all lighting elements.

Show Production Responsibilities

• CAD layouts and renderings per requests; assist with rigging plots.
• Design and implement lighting concepts for various productions, ensuring quality and creativity.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and production teams to achieve desired visual effects.
• Manage lighting equipment selection, setup, and maintenance for all projects.
• Fixture labels and truss tape as needed.
• Oversee and train lighting assistant in warehouse. Conduct training sessions for new warehouse staff on current and new equipment as instructed.
• Conduct site surveys to assess lighting needs and develop effective solutions.
• Stay updated on industry trends and technologies to enhance production quality.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and protocols during all lighting operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Lighting Design, Theatre, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in lighting design for live events or productions.
• Proficiency in industry-standard lighting software and tools.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with diverse teams.
• Passion for the arts and a commitment to delivering high‑quality productions.