Lighting Design Intern

Lighting Design Intern

At Salas O'Brien, we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long term means creating opportunities for growth, learning, and hands-on experience for the next generation of professionals. As an intern at Salas O'Brien, you'll work alongside experienced industry professionals on meaningful projects, gain real-world experience, and contribute to work that has a lasting impact on our clients and communities.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types, as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Internship Summary

We are seeking a motivated and creative Lighting Design Intern to join our team in Long Beach, California. This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting innovative lighting design projects across a variety of industries and building types. The ideal candidate is eager to learn, collaborative, detail-oriented, and interested in combining creativity with technical design solutions.

Working alongside experienced lighting designers and engineers, the intern will assist with developing lighting concepts, preparing design documentation, performing lighting calculations, and supporting project coordination efforts.

Responsibilities

Project Support

• Assist with the development of lighting concepts and designs aligned with project goals, budgets, and timelines.
• Support the creation of lighting plans, layouts, and technical drawings using software such as AutoCAD and Revit.
• Assist with lighting calculations and photometric analysis using AGi and/or Dialux software.
• Research lighting fixtures, controls, and technologies focused on performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with architects, interior designers, engineers, and project managers throughout the design process.
• Participate in site visits, mock-ups, and lighting simulations to help validate design intent.
• Stay current on lighting design trends, emerging technologies, and industry standards.
• Assist in preparing presentations and materials for clients and project stakeholders.
• Support construction administration activities, including reviewing installations and assisting with lighting adjustments and punch lists as needed.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, Interior Design, Architecture, Theatrical Lighting, or a related field.
• Interest in lighting design and the built environment.
• Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, AGi, Dialux, and/or Adobe InDesign preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a team-oriented environment.
• Eagerness to learn and take initiative.

Location: Long Beach, California

Travel: Limited travel may be required depending on project needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $$28.00 USD per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is not eligible for any benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.