Title
Architectural Lighting Designer
EOE Statement Our employee owners come to MJ for the variety of project work and stay for the people they work with on those projects! Our people set MJ apart and drive our success for our clients. MJ provides an inclusive environment and rewards employee owners' hard work. Our culture of innovation and collaboration fosters creativity and encourages employees to do their best work.
MJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
Applicants who wish to apply for an open position with MJ who require reasonable accommodation in order to complete the application process may contact MJ's Human Resources Department at employment@mjinc.com to request assistance. Category Facilities Description
At McFarland Johnson (MJ), you'll own your future. We're a 100% employee-owned firm with 80 years of experience delivering innovative engineering, planning, environmental, technology, and construction solutions that make a lasting impact on the clients and communities we serve.
Certified as a Great Place to Work, our employee-owners describe MJ's culture as collaborative, people-focused, and supportive. Join us and help shape the future of infrastructure together.
We're looking for an Architectural Lighting Designer to join our multidisciplinary Facilities team. This is more than just a job-it's an opportunity to develop creative lighting solutions, grow alongside experienced design professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that enhance the built environment.
Position Summary
The Architectural Lighting Designer will assist in developing innovative interior and exterior lighting solutions across a diverse portfolio of civic, transportation, aviation, commercial, educational, healthcare, and public infrastructure projects.
The successful candidate will collaborate with architects, engineers, planners, and clients to develop lighting concepts and construction documents that enhance the visual environment, support occupant well-being, promote sustainability, and meet project performance objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the development of architectural lighting concepts and design strategies
- Perform lighting calculations and photometric analyses for interior and exterior environments
- Prepare lighting plans, fixture schedules, control system layouts, details, and specifications
- Develop renderings, visualizations, and presentation materials that clearly communicate design intent
- Coordinate lighting designs with architectural, electrical, civil, and structural disciplines
- Conduct field investigations, site surveys, and existing-condition assessments
- Support project managers in maintaining project schedules, budgets, deliverable quality, and technical accuracy
- Research lighting products, control systems, emerging technologies, and industry best practices
- Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder presentations
- Assist with construction administration services, including submittal reviews, RFIs, and site observations
- Contribute to the development of lighting standards, templates, and internal design resources
Qualifications & Skills
- Education: A bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Relevant Experience: One to five years of professional experience in architectural lighting design, electrical design, architecture, or a related discipline
- Technical Knowledge: An understanding of lighting principles, photometry, color quality, lighting controls, and applicable energy codes
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal, written, graphic, and presentation skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and clients
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to develop practical, creative, and technically sound design solutions
- Organization: The ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy across project deliverables
- Attention to Detail: Precision in design, calculations, coordination, and construction documentation
- Eagerness to Learn: A proactive attitude and a genuine desire to grow within the architectural lighting design profession
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting transportation, aviation, municipal, healthcare, educational, civic, or commercial projects
- Familiarity with sustainable design practices and energy-efficient lighting systems
- Knowledge of IES standards, ASHRAE requirements, and applicable building and energy codes
- Experience with lighting controls and daylighting strategies
- Certified Lighting Designer (CLD), Lighting Certified (LC), Associate IALD, or progress toward a relevant professional certification is a plus
Required Technical Skills
- Architectural lighting design
- Lighting calculations and analysis
- Photometric modeling
- Construction documentation
- Fixture selection and specification
- Lighting controls coordination
- Technical writing and specification development
- Design visualization and presentation
- Interdisciplinary coordination
- Construction administration support
- Client communication and presentation
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and organization
- Strong attention to detail
Required Software Proficiency
- Autodesk Revit
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- AGi32-basic working knowledge
- Bluebeam Revu
- Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Preferred Software Proficiency
- DIALux Evo
- Autodesk Navisworks
- Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator
- Enscape
- SketchUp
- Rhino
- Grasshopper
- ElumTools
- BIM 360/Autodesk Construction Cloud
- Lighting control platforms such as Lutron, Acuity nLight, ETC, Crestron, or similar systems
Why Join Us?
- Career Growth: Accelerate your professional career with opportunities to learn, lead, and expand your lighting design expertise.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside architects, engineers, planners, and experienced lighting professionals in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment. 'Collaborative' is the most frequently used word to describe MJ's culture in our annual employee survey.
- Employee Ownership: As a 100% ESOP, your contributions directly shape our shared success-you own your future.
- Innovation & Impact: Contribute to creative, sustainable lighting solutions that improve communities and enhance the built environment.
- Professional Development: Benefit from mentorship, ongoing technical training, continuing education, conferences, and support for professional certification.
- Diverse Project Experience: Build your portfolio through meaningful work across aviation, transportation, civic, healthcare, educational, commercial, and public infrastructure facilities.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible schedules, generous PTO, and a culture that values balance so you can thrive professionally and personally.
Benefits & Perks
- Competitive compensation plus a performance-based incentive payment plan/bonus structure
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous Paid Time Off, including Parental Leave
- Company-funded ESOP plus a 401(k) employer match
- Ongoing technical training and professional development opportunities
- Support for continuing education and relevant professional certifications
Join Us and Make a Difference
Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas are valued, and your growth is personal. Apply today and become part of a company where you can #ownyourfuture.
Position Requirements Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Shift -not applicable- City State Keywords Pay Range Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Open Date 9/1/2026
This position is currently accepting applications.
Apply Now