Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction

Locations: San Diego, CA (hybrid work schedule)

About the Role

We're looking for an entry-level Lighting Designer to join our growing lighting department. You'll work directly under our Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) leadership, building the foundational skills of architectural lighting design on real projects from your first week. This is an ideal role for someone with solid Revit skills and a strong design eye who is eager to learn through mentorship, peer review, and hands-on project work, and to grow into a designer who leads work of their own.

Your Impact

Model lighting within Revit through all project phases, from schematic design through construction documentation.
Perform lighting photometric calculations and renderings to study target light levels and understand how a space looks and feels.
Generate light fixture schedules (Excel) and cutsheet packages.
Conduct submittal reviews (Bluebeam) and support quality checks.
Prepare and assist with design presentations (PowerPoint) for clients.
Collaborate with architects, our integrated MEP team, and clients from concept through construction.
Bring a designer’s eye—walk into a room or study a rendering and tell what is working, what is not, and why.
Support a broad spectrum of projects: healthcare, higher education, commercial office, life science, high-rise multifamily, public sector, retail/hospitality, exterior site, and themed campus.

What You’ll Bring

Bachelor’s degree in lighting design, architectural engineering, architecture, interior design, or a related field.
0–3 years relevant experience (e.g., internships, coursework, or related work experience).
Proficiency in Revit required.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to client satisfaction.
Good communication skills and willingness to learn through self-driven professional study, mentorship and peer review.
A portfolio (required): completed projects, studio or competition work, personal explorations, or a curated set of images that showcase your eye and point of view.

Nice to Have (Preferred)

Familiarity with LightStanza or other lighting/photometric software.
Exposure to lighting controls and Title 24 Part 6.
Experience with light fixture schedules, cutsheet packages and submittal review workflows.
Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Procore, AutoDesk Construction Cloud, Claude

Benefits & Development

Mentorship and a clear career path with direct guidance from a Certified Lighting Designer.
Live projects from your first week, on a path toward leading design work of your own.
Competitive salary—$65K–$85K based on experience.
Comprehensive benefits: health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
Schedule of four nine-hour days with a half day on Friday, so you get the most out of your weekend.
Hybrid working schedule: four days in the office, one day remote.

Why This Role is a Great Fit

Real-World Growth: work end-to-end on live projects, from concept and design through construction.
Career Foundation: mentored directly by a CLD on a clear path toward leading your own design work.
Integrated Team: sit inside an MEP engineering firm, so designs are well coordinated and deliverables are seamlessly integrated.
Design-First Culture: your input and your point of view are valued and developed here.

To apply, please send your resume, portfolio, and a letter of interest.

McParlane & Associates, Inc.

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Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction