Lead Lighting Designer - Seattle, WA or , NY

Lead Lighting Designer – Seattle, WA or New York, NY

Join PAE as a Lead Lighting Designer in either Seattle or New York. This hybrid role offers the flexibility of in‑office collaboration with remote work.

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. Leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways and enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, communities, and planet, embracing innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

• Lead the design direction and execution of complex lighting projects, ensuring technical excellence in systems and controls.
• Manage project teams, budgets, schedules, and mentorship of junior staff.
• Represent PAE in client meetings and maintain industry engagement.
• Develop project workplans, tasks, and assignments for the design team.
• Write lighting product specifications and luminaire schedules, and conduct advanced product research.
• Lead and coordinate cross‑trade lighting and lighting control system integration.
• Oversee construction phase reviews of submittals and RFIs and attend site visits.
• Assist in lighting industry organizations and events to build relationships and knowledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• College degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Interior Design, Lighting Design, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of practicing lighting design or 3 years as a PAE Lighting Designer 3.
• Relevant professional credential (e.g., LC, CLD).
• Advanced understanding of the integration of light with architecture and users.
• Professionalism and ability to communicate basic and advanced design concepts to stakeholders.
• Mastery of time management and organizing multiple projects.
• Experience in managing project financial accounting.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Mastery of Building Information Modeling (Revit).
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, illumination calculation software (AGI), Sketch Up, 3D Max, Rhino, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong knowledge of the LUMA | PAE processes and standards.

Hiring Base Salary Range: $96,100 – $128,600 annual for Seattle, WA (eligible for time‑and‑half overtime pay).

• Performance bonus
• Employer‑paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) account contribution
• Professional development reimbursements and association dues
• Hybrid work schedule
• Commuter benefit
• Cell phone stipend
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holiday, and vacation
• Additional benefits may be available as part of PAE’s comprehensive package.

PAE is a JUST‑label certified company, meeting or exceeding wage and industry standards for similar work. We pay employees equitably for substantially similar work and are committed to pay equity across all positions.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

Architecture and Planning

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at PAE by 2×.

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 undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.