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Principal Show Lighting Designer - Project Hire/ Internal Assignment

The Walt Disney Company
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 26 Nov 2025
💰 $154,600/yr($134,600/yr$154,600/yr)

About the role

Job Posting Title:

Principal Show Lighting Designer - Project Hire/ Internal Assignment

Req ID:

10136620

Job Description:

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 temporary assignment with no guarantee of permanent placement. 

What You Will Do:

  • Lead the design implementation and lighting installation effort for the project.

  • Work independently as lead on multiple design projects up to the Park Level.

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

  • Manage complex negotiations across diverse stakeholder groups.

  • Supervise and adhere to budget and schedule.

  • Participate in, develop and lead department initiatives.

  • Must be willing and able to travel and/or relocate internationally

Required Qualifications & Skills:

  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in related professional environment required

  • Experienced, professional lighting designer capable of producing designs which reflect both the theatrical and environmental nature of a WDI product

  • Proven ability to work on multiple projects and drive results

  • Ability to communicate lighting intent and ideas verbally and visually

  • Strong working knowledge of theatrical design and technical knowledge of lighting design and installation, including methods of construction

  • Strong working knowledge of architectural and facility requirements and integration of lighting products into an attraction

  • Current knowledge of new and developing technologies in lighting required

  • Participates in high pressure environment with strict schedule deadlines

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written

  • Able to work well independently and in groups

  • Strong organizational skills

  • Advanced knowledge of theatrical lighting fixtures, theatrical controls, and control distribution including DMX and Ethernet.

  • Advanced knowledge of LED lighting systems including the design of power/data equipment to control LED lighting.

  • Familiarity with BIM and CAD software and drafting ability.

  • Ability to operate and work off lifts, ladders, and catwalks at heights

  • Appreciation and skill in the aesthetic processes of lighting and lighting design

  • Domestic and International travel required.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

  • Disney experience and background

  • Knowledge of Lighting Previsualization Software

  • Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree (Theater, Art, Design, Architecture) or equivalent work experience required.

  • Master’s degree (Theater, Art, Design, Architecture) preferred.

Additional Information:

Benefits and Perks: Disney of

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Company

The Walt Disney Company

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