Show Lighting Designer (Project Hire/Internal Assignment)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10130726 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jan. 12, 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 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.
Show Lighting 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.
You will report to the Manager-Show Lighting Design.
This is a Project Hire assignment with no guarantee of permanent placement.
What You Will Do:
Design and support the design, implementation, and lighting installation effort on multiple design projects.
May independently design projects.
Develop and support the communication of show lighting design concepts.
Direct or assist in field implementation of the show lighting design, including working on construction sites at various heights and safely operating mechanical lifts and related equipment.
Participate in mock-ups and fixture research and testing.
Create show lighting drawings, models, and visualization materials in both 2D and 3D.
Travel on various domestic and international assignments as needed.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
1 year of experience in a related environment required.
Ability to work on multiple projects and drive results, independently and in groups.
Ability to communicate lighting intent and ideas verbally and visually.
Familiar with the use of standard theatrical documentation (focus charts, fixture schedules, dimmer/control schedules).
Understanding of the creative process and the development of a creative design.
Familiarity with Revit, 3D modeling programs, and CAD drafting programs, as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
Experience in theatrical lighting design and technical knowledge of lighting design installation.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to work in a high-pressure environment with strict schedule deadlines.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Knowledge of theatrical lighting fixtures, theatrical controls, and control distribution, including DMX and Ethernet.
Knowledge of LED lighting systems, including the design of power/data equipment to control LED lighting.
Ability to operate and work off lifts, ladders, and catwalks at heights.
Appreciation and skill in the aesthetic processes of lighting and lighting design.
Ability to travel or relocate domestically and/or internationally required.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
Knowledge of Lighting Previsualization Software.
Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Theater, Art, Design, Architecture, or related field required.
MFA 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.