Job Posting Title:
Theme Lighting Designer Senior - Project Hire/Internal Assignment
Req ID:
10149447
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.
Theme Lighting brings the Disney difference to our Parks and Resorts. We design, document, and facilitate the production of specialty Theme Lighting fixtures for various projects including theme park attractions, restaurants, shops, area development, and resorts. Our fixtures help to evoke the emotional resonance that transforms a space from merely functional into something memorable- shaping atmosphere, guiding perception, and creating a deeper connection between our guests and the environment.
The Theme Lighting Designer Senior researches and identifies readily available items or fixtures, as well as crafts uniquely original custom pieces to meet specific project requirements. The Theme Lighter Designer Senior develops and works within budgets and schedules to meet the project needs. They lead the design work of junior designers and develop teams of designers to complete fabrication drawings.
A portfolio review is required for this position. 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.
- Lead a team of other specialty designers to detail and achieve the design goals of a project within code and maintenance accessibility requirements
- Consult with the Department Manager for the allocation of staff resources.
- Work with WDI Theme Lighting Production team to adapt designs to meet creative and budget requirements.
- Responsible for tracking scope through design and providing budgetary estimates to project leadership in support of project needs.
- Responsible for working within the project schedule and providing phased inputs for design development and facility integration.
- Provides fabrication design support for WDI Theme Lighting Production team.
- Travel to project sites to supervise and survey vendor production if needed and direct field installation on a project construction site.
- Assign and manage design and drawing work to team members aligned with the Project.
- Shares responsibilities for quality, timeliness, and efficiency of the project team in the execution of design documentation.
- Assist Junior Designers to understand fabrication methods, materiality, code requirements, etc.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Minimum 6 years experience in practice in the design and production of specialty items
- A minimum of two years leading a team of designers and the creation of contract documents
- Excellent team participation skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate optimally in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Ability to clearly present research and designs to Creative Directors
- Ability to draft/draw by hand
- Experience in specialty item or fixture design
- Software used REVIT, AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks or other 3D modeling programs, and Adobe Creative Suite
- Knowledge and direct use of computer systems and software used by WDI for drafting, design, project tracking systems, and business communications.
- Understanding how to build or fabricate various specialty items.
- Understand materials, fabrication techniques, maintenance access needs, and compliance with specific regional codes.
- Read and understand architectural drawings and interfaces.
- Collaborate with Project Show Managers and Studio Manager to status design progress.
- Strong familiarity with reading and using architectural documents.
- Participate and direct oversight of installation on site with Project Teams if needed.
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 Lake Buena Vista, FL is $100,100.00 to $134,200.00 per year and in Glendale, CA is $105,100.00 to $140,900.00 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.
Job Posting Segment:
WDI Creative Development
Job Posting Primary Business:
Architecture & Design (WDI)
Primary Job Posting Category:
Theme Lighting Design
Employment Type:
Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Glendale, CA, USA
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
USA - FL - Epcot - Main Building (WDI)
Date Posted:
2026-04-23