Lighting Designer I

The Opportunity

LUMA, the Architectural Lighting Design group within PAE Engineers, is looking for a creative and technically-minded Lighting Designer I to join our award-winning lighting studio in New York, NY. This is an opportunity to explore how light transforms architecture while developing the foundational skills needed for a career in professional lighting design. You will be part of an integrated team that values design intent as much as technical performance. In this role, you will support the design process from initial concept through construction, using everything from hand sketching and physical mock-ups to advanced digital modeling in Revit and AGI. You'll work closely with project leads to translate ideas into detailed documentation, ensuring that every space we design is both beautiful and functional. If you are a collaborative designer who is open to constructive critique and eager to master the art and science of light, we want to hear from you.

Who We Are

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.

What You'll Do

• Develop design and technical skills to increase knowledge and experience required for this position and to grow as a professional lighting designer
• Support design and production documentation to convey lighting design concepts and design intent using design techniques and software, inducing but not limited to, hand sketching, mock-ups, participation in design charrettes, Revit/BIM production, lighting calculation software (AGI32, LightStanza, etc.)
• Interact and promote the core values of PAE and professionalism with project team members both internal and external
• Attend meetings with team members representing PAE under the LUMA brand
• Complete assigned work on time with instruction from the project leads
• Support preparation and production of project deliverables with attention to detail
• Demonstrate accountability as an integral member of the design teams in which you are involved
• Actively participate in project design and construction phases
• Participate in lighting industry organizations and events to build supporting professional relationships and knowledge
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring

• College Degree required, preferably in Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or Theatrical Lighting
• Time management and organization
• Open and receptive to constructive critique
• Clear graphic and oral communication of design
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Experience in Building Information Modeling (BIM), preferred
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite (emphasis on Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign)
• Experience with photometric analysis software (AGi32), preferred
• Experience with 3D digital design modeling software (Sketchup, 3DS Max, Rhino, or similar), preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite

What We Offer

• Hiring Base Salary Range: $64,900-$84,400 annual
  • This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE's competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.


In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

• 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
• To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act

Our commitment to pay equity

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity - paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.


To find out more visit our website.

What We're Made Of

Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.

Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.


Fine Print

Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.


In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.


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