Lighting Project Designer | Chicago, IL

IMEG Consultants•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

IMEG is hiring a Lighting Project Designer for its architectural lighting specialty 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, consultants, architects, interior designers, and clients to develop engineering solutions and advice, while working within project budgets and supporting project goals and client expectations. Projects span hospitality, mixed use, education, MEP, and other markets. The position includes designing lighting concepts and layouts, selecting luminaires, performing illuminance calculations, and coordinating lighting controls and electrical requirements. The designer also visits job sites, helps review installations and mockups, contributes to consistent design quality and team standards, mentors less experienced staff, and begins developing client relationships and managing small to mid-sized projects. The role is full-time and hybrid, based in Chicago, Illinois or Seattle, Washington, with travel up to 10%.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in the building design consulting industry, or at least 9 years of experience in the building design consulting or construction industry.
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design, or equivalent.
Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in producing technical plans and specifications.
Enriched 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 the use of BIM software.
Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to travel up to 10%, including occasional overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

6 years of experience preferred in the building design consulting industry, or 10 years preferred in the building design consulting or construction industry.
Associate degree or certificate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering.
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.

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.
Design lighting layouts, including basic control sensors, lighting control sequences of operations, and zone schedules in Revit or, less frequently, AutoCAD.
Coordinate with electrical engineering teams on circuiting, emergency lighting, and energy code documentation.
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.
Promote consistent quality across projects, provide feedback, support development of IMEG standards, and begin developing client relationships.
Begin managing small to mid-sized projects.
Collaborate with senior lighting design team members, project executives, or client executives to learn and write proposals.
Train and mentor less experienced staff.

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.