Lighting Practice Leader

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working schedule

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A multidisciplinary design firm is seeking a Lighting Practice Leader in Virginia Beach. The successful candidate will oversee lighting design processes, mentor junior designers, and lead projects across various markets including education and healthcare. This role requires over 10 years of experience in lighting design, proficiency in relevant software, and strong leadership skills. The firm offers a hybrid work schedule prioritizing work/life balance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional lighting design experience.
• Proficiency in daylit modeling and visualization software.
• Active involvement in relevant industry organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex lighting design projects across various markets.
• Develop innovative lighting concepts integrating with architectural intent.
• Manage lighting project budgets and timelines.

Skills

Lighting design

Lighting technologies

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architectural Engineering or Lighting Design

Tools

AGi32

LightTools

Revit

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office Suite

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 looking for a Lighting Practice Leader who will be responsible for performing, directing, and supervising all aspects of lighting design across a diverse portfolio of projects. This role will oversee the full design process, from concept through construction, and will mentor junior designers. The ideal candidate is a creative, technically skilled, and client-focused professional with a strong portfolio in architectural lighting and the built environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead lighting designer for complex projects across various markets (e.g., education, government, healthcare, workplace, civic).
• Develop innovative lighting concepts that integrate with architectural intent, within a multi-disciplinary firm with a focus on Integrated Design.
• Perform advanced lighting calculations, daylighting analysis, and energy code compliance.
• Oversee preparation of drawings, lighting layouts, schedules, specifications, and control strategies.
• Coordinate with internal and external design teams, clients, and consultants.
• Conduct site visits, mock-ups, and inspections.
• Manage lighting project budgets and timelines.
• Motivate and lead the lighting studio, supervise junior staff and contribute to staff development.
• Develop and maintain relations with various Clark Nexsen offices to ensure lighting design quality control / quality assurance is consistent, regardless of location.
• Interview, hire, and terminate staff when authorized. Evaluate the performance of department members and make recommendations for salary adjustments. Develop methods to incorporate “accountability” into individual performance. Monitor morale of the department. Develop systems of reward to recognize outstanding performance.
• Conduct annual department staff reviews and participate with Senior Leadership in review of staff assignments. Review and approve department staff timesheets and expense reports.

Required Skills

Preferred Qualifications

• LC (Lighting Certified), LEED AP, or WELL AP.
• Experience with daylight modeling, parametric tools, or visualization software
• Active involvement in IES, IALD, or similar organizations.

Required Experience

General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following

• Graduate of an ABET-accredited program with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, or related field.
• 10+ years of professional lighting design experience.
• Proficiency in AGi32, Elumtools or LightStanza, Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Deep understanding of lighting technologies, controls, and code compliance.
• Excellent verbal and visual communication skills.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative and technical lighting design.

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.

This position is not eligible for employer based sponsorship with the exception of the TN visa classification.