Lead Lighting Designer

Description:

Lead Lighting Designer / Lighting & Lighting Controls Systems Specialist

Join a team where design meets purpose. At RLF, our mission is to create high-performing environments that inspire and nurture the human spirit. For over 90 years, we have been a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, and interior design firm. With a focus on healthcare and federal projects, we deliver impactful, innovative spaces that shape communities and improve lives. We create exceptional places for extraordinary people.

We’re a passionate, collaborative team that values excellence, relationships, and fun. If you're looking to make a difference through meaningful work, let’s build something great together.

RLF is seeking a full-time Lead Lighting Designer / Lighting & Lighting Controls Systems Specialist to lead the firm’s lighting design discipline across all project types. This role will work closely with architectural, interior design, and engineering leadership and will be responsible for the overall vision, quality, and technical execution of lighting and lighting controls design firmwide. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in lighting and controls systems, strong design sensibility, and proven leadership experience managing a small team of lighting designers.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Lead Lighting Designer responsible for the lighting and lighting controls design on all assigned projects, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with project goals.
• Lead the conceptualization, design, and documentation of architectural lighting and lighting controls systems across a variety of building types, with emphasis on healthcare and federal projects.
• Manage and mentor a small team of lighting designers, providing technical guidance, design direction, workload planning, and professional development.
• Collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, electrical engineers, and clients throughout all phases of design delivery to ensure lighting solutions support architectural intent, user experience, sustainability goals, and regulatory requirements.
• Design and oversee the development of lighting systems, including fixture selection, layouts, photometric analysis, controls zoning, sequences of operation, and integration with building systems.
• Lead lighting controls system design, including selection of control strategies, coordination with electrical and IT systems, and compliance with energy codes and owner requirements.
• Review and approve lighting and controls drawings, specifications, calculations, and construction documents to maintain firmwide quality standards.
• Perform site visits, field observations, and existing conditions assessments to validate design assumptions and monitor construction progress and compliance.
• Identify and resolve complex design challenges, proposing innovative, cost-effective, and maintainable lighting solutions.
• Assist with Quality Control reviews of lighting and controls designs across projects.
• Perform construction administration tasks including responding to RFIs, reviewing shop drawings and product submittals, and supporting commissioning activities.
• Maintain strong working relationships with lighting manufacturers, representatives, and industry partners, leveraging industry knowledge to support project success.
• Stay informed on emerging lighting technologies, controls platforms, codes, and industry best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Lighting Design, Architectural Engineering, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in architectural lighting and lighting controls design.
• Professional Engineer (PE license) and/or relevant lighting certifications (e.g., LC, CLD) a plus.
• Federal project and/or healthcare design experience strongly preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable codes and standards including IES, NFPA, FBS, UFC, NEV, ASHRAE, and energy codes.
• Excellent design judgement, technical rigor, and attention to detail
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership and emotional intelligence skills.
• Strong interpersonal, client service and communications skills.
• Flexibility in scheduling or work hours to support client expectations, project milestones and team deliverables.
• Proficiency in industry-standard lighting design and documentation software such as Revit, AutoCAD, AGi32, ElumTools, Visual, or equivalent, as well as lighting controls platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite.

Why join us?

• Flexible Work Schedules
• Hybrid office (In-office T, W, Th; WFH M, F)
• PTO and holidays
• Paid Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Short & Long-Term Disability
• Paid Life and AD&D benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Life and Ancillary Insurance Options
• Professional Certification Reimbursement
• Professional Organization Membership Reimbursement
• Wellness Incentives
• Tuition Assistance
• Student Loan Assistance
• Identity Theft Plan and Legal Plan
• Volunteer Time Off
• Pet Insurance

Amount of Travel Required

This position may require occasional travel, some of which may be international.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

RLF conducts background checks and drug screening after an offer of employment has been made. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by RLF or an RLF client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed RLF Placement Agreement from the Director of Human Resources to receive payment for placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the RLF staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to RLF, and any resume submitted to any employee outside of RLF Human Resources, will be considered property of RLF. RLF will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Visa Sponsorship

RLF is not accepting applications for sponsorship at this time (e.g., H-1B or TN Visas).

EEO Statement

RLF is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful work environment. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. RLF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.