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Job Title


Lead Lighting Designer


Company : PAE


Location : San Francisco, CA


Created : 2026-04-20


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

OpportunityPAE/LUMA is looking for a visionary and highly organized Lead Lighting Designer to join our award"‘winning lighting studio in San Francisco. As a lead, you will be the driving force behind the design direction and technical execution of lighting systems that harmonize architecture with the human experience. This role is designed for a professional who is ready to move beyond design production into a leadership position, overseeing project lifecycles and mentoring a talented team of designers. In this role, you will represent the LUMA brand as a primary point of contact for internal MEP teams and external clients. You will be responsible for creating project workplans, leading cross"‘trade coordination, and ensuring that lighting designs are not only beautiful but also code"‘compliant, budget"‘conscious, and perfectly detailed. From high"‘level conceptual graphics in Adobe Creative Suite to complex Revit modeling and on"‘site construction reviews, your leadership will be the thread that connects a project's initial spark to its final, illuminated reality. 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 Lead the design direction and execution of the lighting design under the direction of the EOR/DORLead meetings with internal and external team members representing PAE under the LUMA brandDevelop skills to create project workplans, tasks and assignments for the teamLead and support development and production of the lighting control designMentor junior staff in design, production and calculationsPerform lighting calculations, design communication graphics, REVIT production and mock"‘upsWrite lighting product specifications, create luminaire schedule, and demonstrate an understanding of advanced product research approachesGain experience in technical detailing of lighting systemsFacilitate project design and construction phasesSupport the project lighting cost controlLead cross"‘trade coordination of lighting and lighting control systemsLead construction phase reviews of submittals and RFIs and attend site visitsParticipate in lighting industry organizations and events to build supporting relationships and knowledgeModel accountability as an integral member of the design teams in which you are involvedPerform other duties as assigned What You Bring College Degree (or equivalent design related training) required, preferable in Architecture, Interior Design, Lighting Design or related field4 years practicing lighting design or at least 2 years as a PAE Lighting Designer"¯2Deep understanding and practice of integration of light with architecture and peopleConsistent practice of professionalismTime management and organization of multiple roles on projectsProficient in time management and organizing teams and tasks on multiple projectsProvide and is receptive to constructive critiqueExcellent graphic and oral communication of basic and advanced design conceptsComplex Building Information Modeling (REVIT) expertiseProficient in Adobe Creative Suite (emphasis on Photoshop and InDesign), Illumination calculation software (AGI), digital design modeling software (Sketchup, 3D Max, Rhino, or similar), and BluebeamMicrosoft Office Suite What We Offer Hiring Base Salary Range: $91,200-$122,000 annualThis position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay Benefits Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)Annual 401(k) profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contributionProfessional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association duesEmployer paid commuter/parking stipendCell phone stipendLife insurance and disability benefitsHybrid work scheduleEmployee Assistance Program9 paid holidays including an additional employee"‘selected dayPaid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation 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. 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"‘. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr