Lighting Designer

LPA, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from senior team members

Career development support

8 paid hours of volunteer time each year

Professional Development Grants program

Job summary

LPA, Inc. is searching for an Entry-Level Lighting Designer to join its MEP+L Systems team in Irvine, California. This role encourages collaboration with architects, engineers, and project managers to create innovative lighting solutions for various projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong educational background in lighting design or architecture, alongside 0-5 years of relevant experience. LPA offers mentorship, career development support, and a comprehensive benefits package, fostering both professional and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 0-5 years of experience in designing building lighting systems.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to learn.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with architects, designers, and engineers.
• Research and apply local lighting and energy code requirements.
• Perform lighting calculations to validate design concepts.
• Prepare fixture schedules with detailed product descriptions.

Skills

Passion for architectural lighting design

Interest in a multidisciplinary design environment

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in lighting design, architecture, engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Lighting calculation software

Job description

Join the 2025 AIA Firm Award Winner shaping a more sustainable future. LPA is a collective of designers, engineers, and researchers committed to tackling the biggest issues of our time. Our No Excuses integrated design approach was recognized by the AIA as a trailblazer in sustainable, high-performance architecture. At LPA you’ll be part of the team that is changing the way the industry thinks about design and carbon emissions, built around the belief that we only achieve our goals when everybody has a seat at the table and all input is valued.

We’re currently seeking an Entry-Level Lighting Designer to join our MEP+L Systems team. You’ll be part of a culture that values deep collaboration, technical excellence, and continual growth. In this role, you’ll work alongside fellow lighting designers, architects, engineers, and project managers on a variety of projects across California and Texas, to bring high-performance, community-first design to life.

What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate with architects, designers, and engineers to create impactful lighting solutions.
• Research and apply local lighting and energy code requirements.
• Incorporate district and campus standards where applicable.
• Use the IES Handbook to establish appropriate light levels for a variety of space types.
• Select lighting fixtures that meet project design goals, performance requirements, and budget constraints.
• Prepare fixture schedules that include detailed product descriptions, manufacturers, model numbers, finishes, and approved alternatives.
• Perform lighting calculations to validate design concepts and verify lighting performance throughout all project phases.
• Develop lighting layouts and document design intent in project drawings.
• Understand basic Title 24 lighting calculations and documentation to ensure compliance.
• Review and manage construction administration documents to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Attend site visits and punch walks to verify that the installed lighting matches the design intent.

What We Offer:

• Mentorship from Managing Directors, Design Directors, and senior team members across disciplines.
• Career development support, including licensure incentives, professional development grants, and in-house training.
• Ongoing education through LPA+U courses and Tech Talks focused on innovative, sustainable practices.
• 8 paid hours of volunteer time each year.
• Opportunities to propose and lead projects that impact your local community, including more than $1 million since 2015 in Habitat for Humanity builds, scholarships, and other pro bono community projects.
• Access to our Professional Development Grants program, created to encourage professional development and further LPA's collective knowledge as a firm.

What We’re Looking For:

Required:

• A passion for architectural lighting design.
• Interest in working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary design environment.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to learn.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality work.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in lighting design, architecture, engineering or a related field.
• 0-5 years of experience in designing building lighting systems.

Preferred:

• Experience with AutoCAD and Revit.
• Familiarity with lighting calculation and visualization software.

This position is eligible for an annual bonus. Base salary is based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience and/or project complexity. LPA considers pay equity and the internal equity of current team members when making final offers.

LPA offers competitive salaries and a robust benefits package—including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial planning, wellness initiatives, and flexible work/life programs.