Project Designer Lighting

The Freeman Company is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data‑driven approach and the industry’s largest network of experts, Freeman’s insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full‑service solutions leverage a 99‑year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.

About the role

The Lighting Project Designer is responsible for planning and coordinating lighting requirements for produced events, serving as the local expert on current gear and emerging technology. This role educates technical staff, sales staff, show‑site staff, and branch management on equipment‑related issues, interfaces broadly with other branches and warehouse personnel, and supports the Audio Visual & Event Technology team. The position follows an in‑person, full‑time schedule working in‑office and/or on‑site at locations such as Las Vegas, NV; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; and Seattle, WA.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with clients, sales staff, operations, and project managers to develop lighting designs and coordinate pre‑production, onsite, and post‑production activities in line with event budgets.
• Creates wiring diagrams and lighting plots for shows based on budgeted designs; ensures on‑site personnel have and understand this information.
• Recommends lighting personnel during scheduling to ensure effective use of company resources and compliance with procedures and policies.
• Evaluates the competency of Lighting Specialists to maintain Freeman’s quality standards.
• Reviews departmental operational procedures and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Oversees equipment logistics and gear use to minimize cross‑rentals and efficiently utilize inter‑branch gear.
• Researches and recommends capital‑expenditure lighting purchases to stay current with industry standards and maximize profitability.
• Develops lighting training programs to improve staff competency levels.
• Stays current with new and developing industry trends.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in lighting production, with at least 5 years focused on corporate events, entertainment, or theater, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
• Ability to engineer instructions in written, oral, or diagram form and to communicate installation and troubleshooting procedures.
• Advanced understanding of lighting systems, electricity, DMX signal flow, and lighting design fundamentals.
• Advanced knowledge of conventional, LED, moving fixtures, lighting for video, dimmers, power distribution, and conventional lighting consoles.
• Experience with entertainment rigging, safety, and structural stability.
• Proficiency programming HOG or GrandMA consoles.
• Experience with Art‑Net, sACN, or other networking protocols.
• Ability to draw system designs in AutoCAD, VectorWorks, and/or Lightwright.
• Experience with pre‑visualization software and designing large‑scale lighting systems using full‑range manufacturer equipment.
• Advanced networking and media‑server integration experience (preferred).
• Formal leadership training and experience delivering training programs to diverse groups (preferred).
• Strong general business acumen.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• ETCP Entertainment Electrician or Rigging Certification preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Accident, and Disability coverage
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid Time Off

Pay

Salary range: $65,000 – $75,000 per year, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full‑time, in‑person schedule with up to 25 % travel required.