Show Lighting Designer (Project Hire)

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

The WDI Show Lighting Department provides lighting designs for all areas our guests see when they enter our parks. This includes lighting for attractions, retail spaces, restaurant spaces, display areas, landscape, facades, and area development. The staff of the Show Lighting Department interface and support other WDI divisions as well as departments within our parks including Creative, Architectural, Engineering, Show Art, Show Ride, Park Operations and Park Maintenance. Through the medium of light, it is the mission of the Show Lighting Department to create highly entertaining environments in which the magic of each Disney story is possible.

The Show Lighting Designer will report to the Manager, Show Lighting Design.

This is a Project Hire position with no guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do:

• Interface and coordinates with other show related disciplines.

• Support development of and communicate Show Lighting design concepts.

• Input to Show Lighting database, schedules, dimmer panels, and Show Lighting drawings.

• Direct or assist in field implementation of Show Lighting design when required.

• Interface with other disciplines throughout the various project phases as required.

• Research fixture information and lighting technologies in support of design effort.

• Work with supervisor in order to adhere to budget and schedule.

• Support mock-ups and presentations including set-ups and strikes.

• Support the programming of show related lighting control and light levels.

• Document the implemented design.

• Perform test and adjust tasks as needed.

• May independently design projects.

• Develop and communicate Show Lighting design concepts.

• Perform primary interface with electrical engineering disciplines to insure placement of lighting design on electrical drawings.

• Obtain knowledge of new and developing lighting technologies.

• Operating knowledge of moving lights, theatrical controls and control distribution including DMX and Ethernet in Show Lighting Designer area of specialty is lighting controls.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Previous experience in the technical aspects of Theater Arts and its associated skills.

• Must be able to read architectural blueprints and interpret electrical drawings.

• Possess excellent communication skills; highly motivated; can accept direction easily.

• This role requires flexible availability as some work responsibilities will require completion during third shift approximately 40% of the time.

• Proficiency with CAD drafting programs.

• Familiar with the use of standard theatrical documentation (focus charts, fixture schedules, dimmer/control schedules), with an eye for detail.

• Possess working understanding of the theatrical applications of light (focus, color, texture, highlight and shadow, key and fill).

• Possess a basic to advanced understanding of the electrical configuration of theatrical dimming systems and its control as well as LED/RGB infrastructure.

• Professional lighting designer/assistant, capable of producing designs which reflect both the theatrical and environmental nature of a WDI product.

• Working knowledge of theatrical design and technical knowledge of specific discipline, including methods of construction.

• Working knowledge of architectural and facility requirements and integration of specific discipline products into an attraction.

• Have a passion for storytelling through the use of light.

• Understanding of the creative process and the development of a creative design.

• Experience in computer-based program, in Word, Excel, etc.

• Organizational skills including development of budgets and schedules.

• Minimum 1 year experience in related environment required.

• Current knowledge of new and developing technologies in field.

Education:

• BA or MFA preferred (Theater, Art, Design, Architecture) or equivalent work experience.

Additional Information:

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

The hiring range for this position in Anaheim, CA is $94,200 to $126,200 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.