Lighting Practice Leader Charlotte, NC

Clark Nexsen; Charlotte, Northern (NC, KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Clark Nexsen is seeking a Lighting Practice Leader to direct and supervise all lighting design activities across a diverse project portfolio. You will mentor junior designers and guide the full design process from concept to construction, while integrating lighting concepts with architectural intent.

The ideal candidate brings a strong portfolio in architectural lighting, leadership ability, and a collaborative client-focused approach to a national firm committed to Integrated Design and

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree with a Bachelor's or Master's in Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, or related field
• 10+ years of professional lighting design experience
• Proficiency in AGi32, Elumtools or LightStanza, Revit, AutoCAD, and MS Office
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative and technical lighting design

Responsibilities

• Lead lighting designer for complex projects across multiple markets
• Develop innovative lighting concepts aligned with architectural intent
• Perform advanced lighting calculations and daylighting analysis
• Oversee drawings, layouts, schedules, specifications, and control strategies
• Coordinate with internal/external design teams and clients
• Conduct site visits, mock-ups, and inspections
• Manage budgets and timelines for lighting projects
• Motivate and lead the lighting studio and staff development
• Maintain quality control across office locations

Skills

Lighting design

Leadership

Client communication

Project budgeting

Education

ABET-accredited degree

Tools

AGi32

Elumtools

LightStanza

Revit

AutoCAD

MS Office

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.

General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• 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
• 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 Experience

• 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

Preferred Experience:

• 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

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.