Senior Lead Lighting Designer

Pae Consulting Engineers•Seattle, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

PAE/LUMA is looking for an industry-leading Sr. Lead Lighting Designer to lead design work in our award-winning lighting studio in Seattle. As a senior-most leader, you will be a primary driver of design excellence, responsible for the technical, creative, and financial success of our most ambitious projects ranging from boutique high-end installations to large-scale, complex developments. You will represent the LUMA brand at the highest level, transforming architectural challenges into illuminated environments that harmonize human experience with regenerative sustainability. In this role, you move beyond project execution to true design authorship and team stewardship. You will lead interdisciplinary coordination, manage project financial accounting, and cultivate lasting client relationships that define our portfolio. As a recognized technical authority, you will steer peers and junior staff through the nuances of advanced product research, complex detailing, and BIM mastery. Whether serving as the Designer of Record or a strategic Project Manager, your influence will guide every phase of the design lifecycle from the first conceptual rendering to the final site visit. PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

Requirements

College Degree (or equivalent design related training) required, preferable in Architecture, Interior Design, Lighting Design or related field
Minimum of 4 years practicing lighting design or at least 3 years as a PAE Lighting Designer
Relevant professional credential (I.e. LC, CLD)
Advanced understanding of the integration of light with architecture and people
Consistent practice of professionalism
Mastery in time management and organizing teams and tasks on multiple projects
Working knowledge of and practical experience in managing project financial accounting
Provide and is receptive to constructive critique
Able to communicate basic and advanced design concepts to internal and external stakeholders
Mastery of Building Information Modeling (REVIT)
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (emphasis on Photoshop and InDesign), illumination calculation software (AGI), digital design modeling software (Sketchup, 3D Max, Rhino, or similar), and Bluebeam
Develop a strong understanding of LUMA | PAE process and standards
Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

Project team leadership and discipline management, responsible for completing the project on time and within budget
Lead the design direction and execution of large or complex lighting design projects under the direction of the EOR/DOR
Lead meetings with internal and external team members representing PAE under the LUMA brand
Provide support on projects in areas of expertise
Develop project workplans, tasks and assignments for the team
Responsible for the development and production of the lighting control design
Mentor peers and junior staff in design, production and calculations
Demonstrate proficiency in lighting calculations, design communication graphics, REVIT production and mock-ups
Write lighting product specifications, create luminaire schedules, and conduct advanced product research
Proficient in technical detailing of lighting systems
Lead project design and construction phases for large, medium, and small projects of various complexities taken to completion
Lead and direct project lighting cost control
Responsible for cross trade coordination of lighting and lighting control systems
Responsible for construction phase reviews of submittals and RFIs and attend site visits
Leadership role in lighting industry organizations and events to build supporting relationships and knowledge
Model accountability as a project team leader and integral member of the design teams in which you are involved
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
Cell phone stipend
Life insurance and disability benefits
Hybrid work schedule
Employee Assistance Program
9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation