If you are considering applying to work at Visual Terrain, you may be asking yourself, “What skills do I need to be a successful employee?” Here are some answers:
As a Lighting Designer, your responsibilities will include lighting design and/or programming for large-scale architectural, attractions and arts-based projects, including work in casinos, theme parks, museums, educational facilities, retail, live theater and hospitality. We seek dynamic, self-starting team players who are comfortable with a client-facing role and managing their time across multiple, simultaneous projects.
It is important that candidates exude upbeat energy, possess exceptional attention to detail, be highly motivated, and exhibit a passion for the art and science of lighting design. We’re looking for leaders who can also accept direction easily (when needed). (Walking on water is optional, and sometimes handy.)
Positions may require extensive and extended travel worldwide.
We believe that if you love your job, then you don’t mind working hard, so we are looking for people who really, really, really love lighting design.
Visual Terrain offers a full range of benefits, including a forward-looking health care plan, wellness days, vacation time, holiday shutdowns, and more. Our office is in the city of Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone, overlooking the Santa Clara River, offers easy access to restaurants, shopping, golf, continuing education, and over 100 miles of bike/walking trails.
Lighting Designer
Most of our team consists of lighting and production designers. Here are some of the basic skills we seek:
Basic Qualifications (aka Must-Haves)
- Bachelors Degree in Theatrical or Architectural Lighting Design or related field
- Minimum of 3 years experience in Lighting Design
- Understanding of architectural and theatrical lighting design methodology
- Ability to write detailed fixture specifications and schedules
- Fearless attitude towards controls and technology
- Willingness to roll up your sleeves and dive in with mockups, focusing and samples
- Previous experience in the technical aspects of Theater Arts and/or Architectural Lighting and their associated skills.
- Must be able to read architectural blueprints and interpret electrical drawings.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with CAD drafting programs in 2D
- Basic keyboard and computer application skills are essential, including word processing and spreadsheet format programs (Microsoft Word & Excel or equivalent)
Required Software Skills (aka Calling All Gurus)
- Fluency in Revit and/or AutoCAD 2D Drafting for design and architecture, including experience with XREF management
- Proficiency in AGI32 and/or Dialux lighting calculations
- Microsoft Office or equivalent, Email, and other basic computer skills
- FileMaker Pro knowledge is a plus
Desired Software Skills (aka Icing on the Cake… and we like icing!)
- Expertise in Vectorworks 3D rendering of architectural and lighting elements or similar rendering environments
- PowerPoint and/or Keynote presentations
- Adobe Photoshop Rendering and Photo Editing
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Unreal Engine, Autodesk 3D Studio Max (3ds Max), Maya or Sketchup
- Advanced FileMaker Programming
- Comfortable with web-based apps, like ClickUp, Zoom, Slack, Box, and more.
- Optional: Social media savvy (LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, etc.)
Responsibilities (aka What You Will Spend Your Days On)
- Work with other lighting designers and support staff — locally and in the Chicago and other remote offices (Knoxville, Orlando, Kansas City, San Antonio), as well as onsite around the world — to develop the lighting design for architectural, attraction and theatrical projects.
- Manage lighting projects and work with design teams from Blue Sky, through Design Development, Construction Administration and Test & Adjust.
- Specify fixtures for small- and large-scale installations.
- At the direction of Principal or Senior Designers, support development and communication of Lighting Design concepts.
- Create and develop project-specific Lighting Design databases, schedules, dimmer panels, and Lighting Design drawings.
- Coordinate with electrical engineering disciplines to ensure correct implementation of Lighting Design on electrical drawings.
- Assist or direct in field implementation and test & adjust of Lighting Design as needed.
- Collaborate with architects and other disciplines throughout the various project phases as required.
- Research and obtain knowledge of new and developing lighting technologies.
- Work with Principal-in-Charge and VP of Design Services in order to adhere to budget and schedule.
- Support mock-ups and presentations, including set-ups and strikes.
- Support programming of show-related lighting control and light levels.
- Create documentation for implemented designs.