Show Lighting Designer - Project Hire/ Internal Assignment

Job Posting Title:

Show Lighting Designer - Project Hire/ Internal Assignment

Req ID:

10149767

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 Project Hire position without any 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.

• Develop and communicate Show Lighting design concepts.

• Perform primary interface with electrical engineering disciplines to ensure placement of lighting design on electrical drawings.

• Direct or assist in field implementation of Show Lighting design when required.

• Obtain knowledge of new and developing lighting technologies.  

• Supervise teams in the focusing and adjusting of lighting equipment.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 1+ year of experience in a related professional environment required.

• Operating knowledge of moving lights, theatrical controls and control distribution including DMX and Ethernet.

• Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining an open and positive perspective that reflects confident professionalism and an unconditional dedication to providing consistent superior products and services for TWDC.

• Working knowledge of theatrical design and technical knowledge of specific disciplines, including methods of construction.

• Working knowledge of architectural and facility requirements and integration of specific discipline products into an attraction.

• Understanding of the creative process and the development of a creative design.

• Proficiency with BIM and CAD drafting programs in both 2D and 3D.

• Experience in computer-based programs including Word and Excel. 

• Familiar with the use of standard theatrical documentation (focus charts, fixture schedules, dimmer/control schedules.)

• Ability to produce designs which reflect both the theatrical and environmental nature of a WDI product.

• Organizational skills including development of budgets and schedules.

• 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 or equivalent work experience required.   

• Master’s degree (Theater, Art, Design, Architecture) 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 Anaheim, CA is $95,500 to $128,000 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.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Creative Development

Job Posting Primary Business:

Global Design Services (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Show Lighting Design

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Anaheim, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-05-04