Sr Lighting Designer (Casual/Temporary)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10114638 Location Celebration, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Mar. 13, 2025Job Summary:
Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences! From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This team with varied strengths – representing a wide variety of subject areas and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, outstanding resourcefulness, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust!
With an in-depth understanding of design intent and the ability to realize through the effective execution of the creative process, the Senior Lighting Designer serves as one of the creative leaders and representatives for Disney Live Entertainment Lighting Design department.
You will develop and implement lighting designs for new live shows, and facility infrastructures as well as for the remount of existing seasonal shows for Disney Cruise Line and other Disney Signature Experiences Entertainment.
Reporting Relationship
This position will report to the Mgr - Lighting Design.
Responsibilities/You Will
- Develop and execute lighting system designs for live shows and facility infrastructure as assigned.
- Participate in project's creative development and define scope by identifying system needs and functions based on creative goals.
- Provide a coordinated structure throughout the entire process of development through implementation of live show entertainment products, and development of equipment budgets.
- Guide the design progress through buy off, procurement, installation, and test & adjust, programming, rehearsals and opening, concluding with As-Built documentation for operating partners at the venue.
- Work with CAD department to ensure 3D modeling requirements are met/delivered.
- Create design drawings: Plots, Plans, Line, Layouts, 3D pre-visualization, Power/Weight load estimates, etc.
- Work with Procurement, Technical Direction, and Production to comply with Company buying standards and schedule of receiving equipment/products/etc.
- Supervise the installation, test & adjust and programming of required elements.
- Provides support through programming, training, rehearsals and opening of show.
- Stay ahead of with lighting technology research and development efforts within industry.
- Partner with consultant lighting designers and vendors to ensure Disney quality, compatibility, training, and accurate documentation of all lighting services delivered.
- Function as a resource to maintain the proper training of shipboard technicians.
- Conduct ongoing “Entertainment Show Quality” evaluations of existing offerings and provide support to maintain their original show intent.
- Maintain up-to-date show documentation, including Instrument Schedules, Set Electrics and Lighting Rig Plots.
- Partner with shipboard Manager of Entertainment Technical and shipboard entertainment technical teams with regards to past, present, and future show installations.
- Follow set policies and procedures and all maritime and ship rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Partner with shoreside Entertainment Technical Leadership, Disney Cruise Line Safety partners and the Standards and Sustainment team to ensure Safety Management Systems and Operating Guideline documentation is up to date and in accordance with current safety and regulatory practices.
- Lead all aspects of Lighting Designers and programmers on projects demonstrating effective leadership and relationship skills.
Basic Qualifications/You Will Have
- 5+ years of designing and/or programming live shows in the Entertainment Industry.
- Proven, strong and up-to-date knowledge of all aspects of lighting system design, styles (theatrical, industrial, concerts, etc.), technology and facility systems.
- Experience supporting the creative process by collaborating with other designers, directors, writers, and producers.
- Proficiency in programming and operating GrandMA2 & GrandMA3 systems.
- Proficiency in computerized drafting programs.
- Experience in programming and operating ETC Mosaic systems.
- Understanding of lighting networks with the ability to assist in basic troubleshooting of DMX, sACN and wireless lighting devices.
- Understanding of facility design, engineering, and construction.
- Ability to work closely with Technical Director(s) and crew to prioritize, organize, instruct, and problem-solve during installation, content integration and programming.
- Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and international travel.
- Proficiency in Vectorworks and Lightwright software with the ability to create and publish Lighting Plots, Signal Flow Diagrams, and Instrument Schedules.
Required Education
- B.A. in Theater Design & Technology, Lighting Design, or equivalent work experience, with focus on lighting design, systems design, or programming.
Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- Experience in live show development with The Walt Disney Company.
- Experience involving the cruise ship industry or entertainment in a cruise ship environment.
- Experience with facility design, engineering, and construction.
- Experience in designing lighting systems for Set Electrics, Props, and/or Puppets.
- Knowledge of The Walt Disney Company Standards and/or Industry Standards.
- Proficiency in programming and operating ETC Mosaic Systems.
- Experience in programming and/or operating Sollinger Laser Systems.
- Experience in programming and/or operating Pangolin Laser Systems.
- Experience in programming VYV and/or Zactrack Follow-Spot Tracking Systems.
Preferred Education
- B.F.A. in Theater Design & Technology, Lighting Design, or equivalent work experience.
Additional Information
Benefits and Perks: 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 .
About Walt Disney Imagineering:
Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Disney Entertainment Productions, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.
Disney Entertainment Productions is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.