Lighting Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lighting Design Consultant

Company: NV5

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time (OTHER)

Category: Design Consulting / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the comprehensive planning and design of advanced lighting systems for diverse facilities, including performance venues, educational institutions, civic buildings, hospitality, and entertainment spaces.

• Drive project success through meticulous development of lighting design reports, technical drawings, detailed specifications, and sophisticated illuminance modeling.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with architectural teams, clients, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless project integration and client satisfaction.

• Conduct critical on-site validation through lighting measurements, controls testing, and site inspections, ensuring design intent is realized in implementation.

• Actively contribute to business development initiatives, including client engagement, proposal development, and sales meetings, to expand NV5's lighting design practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within NV5's Technology and Acoustics group, specifically focusing on architectural lighting design. The emphasis on "operations" here relates to the systematic execution of design projects, managing project lifecycles, ensuring quality control, and contributing to the operational efficiency of the design practice itself through business development and process adherence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development of lighting design solutions from conceptualization through to construction administration, ensuring adherence to project scope, budget, and timelines.

• Translate client needs and architectural vision into actionable lighting design strategies, documented through robust Lighting Basis of Design reports.

• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and cost analyses, leveraging industry-standard software and best practices.

• Utilize advanced computer modeling software (e.g., AGi32) to analyze and validate lighting performance, ensuring optimal visual comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetic outcomes.

• Conduct thorough on-site lighting measurements and controls testing to verify system performance and compliance with design specifications.

• Perform on-site inspections to assess the accurate implementation of lighting designs and identify any deviations or issues requiring resolution.

• Review and approve submittals and shop drawings from manufacturers and contractors, ensuring alignment with design intent and quality standards.

• Collaborate with Principals and marketing teams on business development activities, including participating in sales meetings, client interviews, and proposal preparation.

• Attend project meetings, site visits, and virtual conferences, actively contributing technical expertise and maintaining clear communication with all project stakeholders.

• Ensure all project deliverables meet NV5's stringent quality standards, are completed on time, and remain within budget parameters.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for process enhancements and adopting new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct design execution and client-facing advisory work, typical for a senior consultant role. The emphasis on "delivering solutions and improving lives" suggests a focus on user-centric design outcomes and community impact, which should be reflected in portfolio examples.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience as a consultant specifically in lighting design.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a wide spectrum of lighting design disciplines, encompassing interior architectural lighting, stage lighting, video-focused lighting, and exterior/site lighting.

• Proficiency in industry-standard lighting design software, including AGi32 for illuminance modeling, AutoCAD for drafting, and BlueBeam for document management.

• Strong understanding of lighting codes and standards, such as CA Title 24, ASHRAE 90.1, and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all calculations, drawings, and specifications.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, essential for client interaction, team collaboration, and technical report writing.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently as a key contributor and collaboratively as a team member.

Preferred Skills:

• Lighting Certification (LC) from the National Council on the American Society of Lighting Designers (NCQLP).

• Certified Lighting Controls Professional (CLCP) certification.

• Experience with Revit / Building Information Modeling (BIM) for integrated design workflows.

• Familiarity with ElumTools for lighting analysis.

• Experience with lighting measurements and controls testing procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "healthy appetite for technical exploration and professional development" implies a need for candidates who are proactive learners and curious about new technologies and methodologies in lighting design. This should be a focus when showcasing technical skills and project experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a minimum of 6 years of impactful lighting design projects, highlighting diverse applications (e.g., performance, education, civic, hospitality, entertainment).

• Include detailed examples of developed lighting design reports, technical drawings, and specification documents that reflect a high standard of quality and clarity.

• Present case studies that illustrate the application of illuminance modeling software (e.g., AGi32) and the resultant design optimizations or problem resolutions.

• Showcase experience in on-site lighting measurements, controls testing, and site inspections, with examples of how these activities informed design adjustments or ensured project success.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate experience in developing a Lighting Basis of Design, detailing the process from client interviews to final documentation.

• Showcase proficiency in managing project documentation workflows, including the review and approval of submittals and shop drawings.

• Present examples of how lighting design processes were streamlined or improved for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or enhanced design outcomes.

• Include examples of how lighting codes and standards were interpreted and applied within project designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should curate their portfolios to specifically highlight projects where they led the lighting design process, from initial concept to final site verification. Emphasize projects that required creative problem-solving, technical rigor, and successful client collaboration, aligning with the "evidence-based approach" mentioned in the responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance coverage.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and rejuvenation.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and advancement within the firm.

• Access to cutting-edge technology and design tools.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. While a hybrid work model is in place, flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines, client meetings, and on-site testing or inspections, which may occasionally occur outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on typical compensation for senior lighting design consultants in the US market, adjusted for Pittsburgh's cost of living and NV5's industry standing. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their salary expectations based on their experience and the specific value they bring to the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: NV5 is a prominent provider of compliance, technology, and engineering consulting solutions, operating across various sectors including infrastructure, buildings, and environmental services. The Technology and Acoustics group, where this role is situated, specializes in delivering advanced technical planning and design services.

Company Size: NV5 is a large, publicly traded company, indicating a stable and well-resourced organization with established processes and a broad reach. This size offers opportunities for diverse project involvement and career progression.

Founded: NV5 was founded in 2006, bringing a blend of established expertise and a forward-thinking approach to its operations.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the Lighting Design practice within NV5's Technology and Acoustics group. The team is described as "close-knit," suggesting a collaborative and supportive environment where individual contributions are valued.

• The reporting structure likely involves a direct report to a Principal or Senior Manager within the lighting design discipline, with close collaboration with project managers and other design leads.

Methodology:

• The team emphasizes an "evidence-based approach" to lighting design, suggesting a reliance on data, analysis, and technical validation rather than purely aesthetic intuition.

• Workflow planning and optimization are inherent in a consulting environment, requiring efficient project management and resource allocation to meet client deadlines and quality standards.

• The use of advanced analysis tools and clear client communication are central to their methodology, ensuring that complex designs are understood and effectively implemented.

Company Website: https://www.nv5.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: NV5's mission to "Deliver Solutions and Improving Lives" indicates a company culture that values impact and client success. For a Lighting Design Consultant, this means focusing on how lighting contributes to user experience, safety, and the overall functionality and aesthetic of built environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Consultant, typically representing a mid-to-senior level role within the operations and design consulting field. It requires a significant degree of autonomy, technical expertise, and the ability to manage project aspects independently. The role demands not only design proficiency but also client-facing skills and contributions to business development.

Reporting Structure: The Lighting Design Consultant will report to senior leadership within the lighting design practice, likely a Principal or Director. They will work closely with project managers and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and designers on various projects.

Operations Impact: The work of a Lighting Design Consultant directly impacts project success by ensuring optimal functionality, aesthetics, energy efficiency, and user experience through expertly designed lighting systems. This role contributes to NV5's reputation for delivering high-performance designs and positively influences client satisfaction and future business opportunities. The business development aspect further drives the operational growth of the practice.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: The opportunity to deepen expertise in niche areas of lighting design (e.g., theatrical lighting, sustainable design) and potentially move into a Senior Lighting Design Consultant or Principal role, leading larger projects and teams.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through professional certifications (LC, CLCP), advanced software training, industry conferences, and exposure to a diverse project portfolio, fostering ongoing technical and professional advancement.

• Business Development: Developing and honing business development skills, leading to increased client engagement, proposal wins, and potentially taking on leadership roles in client relationship management and strategic growth for the practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement and the mention of "participat[ing] in off-hours luminaire aiming and testing" suggest a role that balances flexibility with the occasional need for non-standard work hours. This dynamic should be considered when evaluating career growth and work-life integration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Pittsburgh, PA, and operates on a hybrid model, blending remote work with time spent in the NV5 North Side office. This offers a balance of focused individual work and collaborative team interaction.

Office Location(s): Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (North Side office). Specific details regarding office amenities, accessibility, and public transport links would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model fosters a collaborative environment that leverages both remote flexibility and in-person teamwork for brainstorming, client meetings, and design reviews.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology, including advanced lighting modeling software, CAD/BIM platforms, and communication tools, is expected to support efficient design processes.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the lighting design team, project managers, and other NV5 professionals will be available during office days, facilitating knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid model. However, project demands, client needs, and specific site testing requirements may necessitate occasional work outside of standard business hours, including evenings or weekends, particularly for on-site observations and luminaire aiming.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills to maintain productivity and team cohesion across different work locations. Candidates should be comfortable with a flexible schedule that can adapt to project timelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to articulate your specific contributions and impact on past projects.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your lighting design philosophy, technical expertise (software proficiency, code knowledge), and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions related to illuminance modeling, energy efficiency, and design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present key projects from your portfolio. Focus on detailing your role, the design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes or benefits achieved.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: An assessment of your collaboration style, communication skills, client management approach, and alignment with NV5's values (integrity, responsibility, accountability). Questions may explore how you handle pressure, manage multiple projects, and contribute to team success.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, to discuss long-term career aspirations, business development interests, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 projects that best represent your skills, experience, and the diversity of your work relevant to NV5's project types.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly outline the design process, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the technical solutions employed (including software), and the measurable results or benefits achieved (e.g., energy savings, improved user experience, cost efficiencies).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images, clear diagrams, and concise descriptions.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your lighting designs.

• Tailor to NV5: Emphasize projects that align with NV5's focus areas (performance, education, civic, hospitality, entertainment) and highlight any business development experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical design scenarios or problem-solving questions. Think about how you would approach a new project, analyze a complex lighting issue, or respond to a client's specific needs.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically, demonstrating your understanding of lighting principles, codes, and software tools.

• Consider how you would integrate lighting design with other building systems and architectural elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on business development, candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to client engagement, lead generation, and proposal writing. Demonstrating an understanding of the consulting business model will be advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AGi32: Essential for illuminance modeling, analysis, and performance validation. Expertise in creating accurate models, interpreting results, and optimizing designs based on simulations.

• AutoCAD: Critical for drafting technical drawings, plans, sections, and details. Proficiency in creating clear, accurate, and well-organized CAD documentation.

• BlueBeam Revu: Widely used for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management. Experience in reviewing, annotating, and managing project documents efficiently.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook): Fundamental for daily operations, report writing, data analysis, client communication, and scheduling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as separate tools, the role requires strong analytical skills for interpreting illuminance modeling results, cost analyses, and on-site measurement data.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is beneficial for business development activities, tracking client interactions, and managing leads.

Desirable Tools:

• Revit / BIM: Experience with Building Information Modeling software is desirable for integrated design workflows and enhanced collaboration with other disciplines.

• ElumTools: A desirable, though not required, tool for lighting analysis, often integrated with BIM platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with these tools and provide examples of how they've used them to achieve specific design outcomes or improve project efficiency. Highlighting any experience with integrated design workflows (e.g., BIM collaboration) will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical standards in all professional dealings, from client interactions to project execution.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of tasks, projects, and commitments, ensuring accountability for quality and timely delivery.

• Accountability: Being answerable for actions and outcomes, demonstrating a commitment to achieving client satisfaction and organizational goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high-caliber results through meticulous design, innovative problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective success is prioritized.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a collaborative, evidence-based approach, encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing among team members and with external partners.

• Expect a culture that values constructive feedback and actively seeks input from all team members to refine designs and processes.

• Emphasis is placed on clear, responsive communication with clients and architectural teams, ensuring alignment and building strong working relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: NV5's core values of integrity, responsibility, and accountability are central to their consulting operations. Candidates should be ready to provide examples of how they embody these values in their professional work, particularly in client interactions and project management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Aesthetics with Technical Requirements: Effectively integrating creative lighting concepts with energy efficiency mandates, code compliance, and budget constraints.

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: Juggling the demands of various projects, each with unique timelines, client expectations, and technical complexities, within a consulting environment.

• On-site Validation and Problem Solving: Addressing unforeseen issues or discrepancies that arise during site visits and inspections, requiring swift and effective resolution.

• Evolving Technologies and Standards: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in lighting technology, control systems, and evolving industry standards and codes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Professional Certifications: Support and encouragement to obtain or maintain certifications such as Lighting Certification (LC) and Certified Lighting Controls Professional (CLCP).

• Advanced Training: Access to training on new software, design methodologies, and emerging trends in lighting technology and sustainable design practices.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to learn from experienced Principals and senior consultants, with potential pathways for leadership roles and project management responsibilities.

• Diverse Project Exposure: Working on a wide array of project types offers continuous learning and the development of a broad skill set across different sectors and scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should frame challenges as opportunities for growth and problem-solving. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and adaptation will be key to showcasing potential for development within NV5.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex lighting design challenge you faced on a recent project and how you used illuminance modeling and other tools to overcome it. What was the final outcome?" (Focus on process, tools, and quantifiable results).

• "How do you approach collaborating with architects and other design professionals to ensure seamless integration of lighting design into the overall project?" (Highlight communication, problem-solving, and team synergy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about NV5 and our Technology and Acoustics group specifically?" (Research NV5's mission, values, and recent projects).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our team's collaborative and evidence-based approach to lighting design?" (Align your work style with the described team culture).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: For each project, tell a compelling story: the client's need/vision, the challenges, your design approach/solutions, the tools and technologies used, and the successful outcome/impact.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality renderings, photographs, technical drawings, and diagrams to illustrate your points effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present metrics such as energy savings, improved illuminance levels, or user satisfaction feedback.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and decision-making processes.

• Engage & Interact: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your work and discuss alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that showcase your expertise in lighting codes, energy efficiency, and the use of advanced modeling software. Be ready to discuss how your business development interests align with NV5's growth objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lighting Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the NV5 careers portal link provided.

• Curate a targeted portfolio that prominently features your best lighting design projects, emphasizing your role, process, technical solutions (including software like AGi32, AutoCAD), and quantifiable results across diverse project types relevant to NV5.

• Optimize your resume to highlight your 6+ years of consulting experience, key technical skills, certifications (LC, CLCP), and any business development achievements, using keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for a portfolio presentation by practicing your narrative, visual aids, and ability to articulate your design decisions and impact clearly and concisely.

• Conduct thorough research on NV5, understanding their mission, values, project portfolio, and the specific focus of their Technology and Acoustics group to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.