Senior Lead Lighting Designer

The Opportunity

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.

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

• 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

What You Bring

• 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 3
• 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

What We Offer

• Hiring Base Salary Range: $96,100-$128,600 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 https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. 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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