Lighting Project Designer | Chicago, IL

IMEG•Chicago, IL

1d•$60,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

IMEG, formerly Illuminating Concepts, is hiring a Lighting Project Designer in Chicago, Illinois, or Seattle, Washington. This full-time hybrid role focuses on proactive architectural lighting design and ownership of smaller projects, with an introduction to project management and proposal writing. The designer works with engineers, consultants, clients, architects, and interior designers to provide engineering solutions and advice. The work spans hospitality, mixed-use, education, MEP, corporate workplace, multifamily residential, cultural and public spaces, healthcare, and other markets. The role also works within project budgets, trains and mentors staff, supports consistent project quality, and helps meet project goals and client expectations. The architectural lighting team develops interior and exterior lighting designs, upgrades, branding and feature lighting, and related electrical coordination. Designs balance form and function to be visually compelling, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. The position includes collaboration with senior lighting design team members, project executives, and client executives while beginning to manage small- to mid-sized projects and learn to develop proposals. Travel may be required up to 10%, with occasional overnight stays. Sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design, or equivalent; alternatively, an associate degree or certificate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering is listed as preferred.
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.
Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in producing 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 oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with individuals or 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 Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to travel up to 10%, with occasional overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Six years of experience in the building design consulting industry preferred, or 10 years of experience in the building design consulting or construction 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 sequences 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 is covered at 100%.
$50 monthly wellness credit and a Calm subscription.
In-house license exam preparation and support for PE, SE, and other licenses, with a path from EIT to PE.
Dress for Your Day flexibility.
Six paid holidays and three additional floating holidays.
Paid time off (PTO) and generous time off.
Life and disability insurance.
Retirement savings plan.
Flexible schedule.
Tuition reimbursement assistance.
Professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement.
IDEA Program, a firm-wide innovation accelerator for developing and scaling tools.