Senior Lighting Designer

Michael Baker International•Denver, CO

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Lighting Designer, you’ll play a key role in leading and delivering lighting design solutions for complex building projects. This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced technical expertise and design judgment across all phases of design, from concept through construction. You’ll take ownership of lighting layouts, calculations, and technical documentation, collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and clients, and provide mentorship to junior staff. Working within multidisciplinary teams, you’ll help shape design intent, ensure code and performance compliance, and contribute to thoughtful, high‑quality lighting solutions that support overall project goals.

Requirements

Ability to apply basic design and engineering principles to assigned tasks.
Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit; willingness to continue developing technical proficiency.
Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and PDF software (Bluebeam or Adobe preferred).
Two-year technical degree or certification required; Bachelor’s degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or Electrical Engineering preferred.
7-9 years of overall experience

Nice To Haves

Interest in lighting design and building systems is strongly preferred.
Lighting-related credentials (e.g., NCQLP Lighting Certified or IALD CLD) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Leads design efforts for building projects by preparing layouts, drawings, and supporting documentation under the guidance of senior staff.
Assists with lighting design tasks, including lighting layouts, basic lighting calculations, and coordination of fixture selections for building projects.
Utilizes design software such as AutoCAD and Revit to produce construction drawings and design layouts.
Applies engineering and design fundamentals to support internal and external client requirements.
Researches and evaluates design options by understanding and documenting basic advantages and disadvantages of alternatives.
Reviews project requirements, specifications, and design standards to support quality and accuracy of assigned work.
Prepares illustrations, sketches, and layout studies in accordance with project direction.
Assists with cost estimates, schedules, and technical documentation within quality, budget, and timeline requirements.
Coordinates with architects, interior designers, engineers, and other disciplines as part of a collaborative project team.
Maintains organized project records, drawing files, and image resource files.
Participates in design reviews and incorporates feedback from supervisors and project team members.
May assist with site visits, field coordination, and review of shop drawings or submittals, as appropriate to experience level.
Communicates clearly with internal team members and supports client-facing efforts as needed.
Assists in the development of building lighting systems, including fixture layouts and basic lighting controls concepts.
Supports lighting analyses using tools such as AGI32, ElumTools, or similar software (training and mentoring provided).
Learns and applies applicable codes and standards related to lighting and electrical systems.
Gains exposure to lighting narratives, fixture schedules, and coordination with electrical design elements.