Theme Lighting Designer - Project Hire
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10149450 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 23, 2026Job Summary:
About the Role & Team
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 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.
Theme Lighting Designers research and identify readily available items/ fixtures, and design uniquely original custom pieces to meet specific project requirements. Designers work solo on smaller projects or with project leads on teams. This includes providing drafting support, production/procurement support, as well as direct field installation at a project construction site. Develop and work within budgets and schedules to meet the project needs.
For full consideration, please include a link to your portfolio on your resume. Applicants without a portfolio link on their resume or a completed application packet may not be fully considered for the position.
You will report to the Studio Executive – Lighting and Graphics
This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.
What You Will Do
Work with project teams to develop fixture designs that support the story and illumination needs.
Identify, research, and specify specialty items to meet creative intent.
Prepare Theme Lighting fixture selection information and documentation.
Provide design documentation in the form of illustrations, photographs, scaled images, research, and production documentation on assigned projects.
Perform various technical tasks and documentation including plotting elevations, showing fixtures in scale, reading architectural reflected ceiling plans, elevations, and area development plans.
Support the Theme Lighting project leads with scope tracking and cost estimating process.
Be a part of the Specialty Design Production team supporting fixture procurement and vendor coordination.
Direct field installation if assigned at the project construction site and report regularly with your team leader on status and issues.
Required Qualifications & Skills
2+ years experience in a design practice, or a professional internship desirable with an emphasis on specialty items, fixture design, and/or fabrication or Themed Entertainment.
Knowledge and a strong curiosity about Live Entertainment and or/Theater, Themed Entertainment, and Immersive Experiences.
Experience in Themed entertainment and specialty item or fixture design and/or fabrication.
Self-starter with excellent communication skills with the ability to give and take direction, adapt to change, establish relationships, and work in a team environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to deliver under tight deadlines and to track the project scope, design, documentation, delivery, and installation per schedule.
Ability to draft/draw by hand.
Technical Skills
Knowledge and direct use of computer systems to utilize software used for drafting, design, project tracking systems, and business communications.
Skilled with Software used REVIT, AutoCAD, Inventor, and Adobe Creative Suite
Read and understand architectural drawings and interfaces.
Understanding of how to build or fabricate various specialty items.
Understand basic principles of Lighting to collaborate with Show Lighting counterparts.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with product or industrial design and construction techniques.
Familiarity with related areas, including architecture, interior design, facility lighting etc.
Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited program preferred
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.
The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $95,500.00 to $128,000.00 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.
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 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. 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.