Lighting Project Designer | Chicago, IL

IMEG•Chicago, IL

2d•$60,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

IMEG is hiring a Lighting Project Designer for its architectural lighting practice. The role focuses on proactive lighting design and ownership of smaller projects, with an introduction to project management and proposal writing. The designer works with engineers and consultants to provide engineering solutions and advice to clients, works within project budgets, trains and mentors staff, and collaborates across functions to meet project goals and client expectations. The position supports projects in hospitality, mixed use, education, and MEP markets. The team’s work includes lighting design, lighting upgrades, branding and feature lighting, and related electrical coordination across corporate workplaces, hospitality venues, multifamily residential, cultural and public spaces, and select healthcare projects. The designer works with architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and developers on projects across the U.S. and beyond, with opportunities to work on interior and exterior projects. The position is full-time and hybrid, based in Chicago, Illinois, or Seattle, Washington, with travel of up to 10%, including occasional overnight stays. Sponsorship is not available. IMEG is a 100% employee-owned company. The stated base salary range for Illinois and Washington is $60,000 to $95,000 per year; individual compensation depends on job-related factors.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in the building design consulting industry.
Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts used to produce technical plans and specifications.
Strong 2D and 3D visualization and design skills.
Expanded knowledge and understanding of lighting design, including visual and technical aspects.
Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff.
Proficiency with industry-standard engineering software and tools, including AGI32 lighting software.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including clear oral and written communication with individuals and groups.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Eagerness to adapt to new challenges.
Proficiency in BIM software.
Proficiency with the MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to travel up to 10%, including occasional overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Four years of experience in the building design consulting industry preferred.
Associate degree or certificate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering preferred.
Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Determine design standards and illuminance and uniformity targets based on IES recommendations.
Select luminaire options and specify them in luminaire schedules.
Create visual presentations and lighting design concepts for client meetings.
Create luminaire layouts and perform illuminance calculations using AGI32 software.
Design lighting layouts, including basic control sensors, lighting control sequence of operations, and zone schedules in Revit or, more rarely, AutoCAD.
Coordinate with electrical engineering teams on circuiting, emergency lighting, and energy code documentation, and coordinate with other engineering teams, interior designers, and architects.
Coordinate with luminaire and controls representatives to obtain product information and pricing.
Contribute to the local section of the Illuminating Engineering Society.
Attend project job site visits to review existing conditions or luminaire and controls installations, and assist with luminaire mockups.
Develop consistent quality across projects, provide feedback, support the development of IMEG standards, and begin developing client relationships.
Begin managing small- to mid-sized projects and collaborate with senior lighting design team members, project executives, or client executives to learn and write proposals.
Train and mentor less experienced staff.
Work within project budgets and collaborate across functions to meet project goals and client expectations.

Benefits

Employee ownership through an ESOP, fully vested at all times, with a 3% to 6% company contribution and year-end profit sharing.
Annual bonuses and stock ownership options may be available.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on the first day of employment.
Preventive care covered at 100%.
$50 per month wellness credit and a Calm subscription.
Life and disability insurance.
Retirement savings plan.
Six paid holidays and three additional floating holidays.
Paid time off (PTO) and generous time off.
Flexible schedule and Dress for Your Day flexibility.
Professional development programs and career advancement opportunities.
PE, SE, and other license exam preparation and support.
Tuition reimbursement assistance.
IDEA Program, a firm-wide innovation accelerator.
Access to MEG, IMEG’s in-house AI platform.