Lighting Designer

07 October 2026

We have an opening in our Melbourne studio for a technically strong lighting designer who enjoys the detail of documentation, calculations and controls as much as the design itself.

Schuler Shook is an internationally recognised lighting design, theatre planning and audio-visual design firm with projects in Australia, the United States and around the world. Our Melbourne CBD studio is a small, collaborative and congenial team, and our lighting work includes some of Australia's most recognisable cultural buildings, such as the new Glasshouse Theatre, Victorian Pride Centre, ACMI and Arts Centre Melbourne. Theatre experience is not required. Many of the spaces we light are galleries, foyers, public spaces, and we'll support you to learn the rest.

What you'll do

• Take a lead role on the technical side of our lighting work, including documentation, calculations, controls design and compliance
• Coordinate with architects, electrical engineers and contractors through design and construction
• Prepare lighting layouts, fixture schedules, mounting details and control riser diagrams
• Review contractor submittals and shop drawings, and attend site inspections, mock-ups and focusing sessions
• Lead small to mid-scale lighting projects and support larger, more complex projects
• Build strong client relationships and help prepare proposals
• Mentor and support junior staff.

What you'll bring

• Minimum of 3 years of lighting design experience, including in the Australian market
• Excellent technical skills and a working knowledge of lighting controls with strong focus on DMX and multi-protocol integration to the lighting control system.
• Knowledge of the latest NCC Section J and AS/NZS 1680, AS/NZS 1158, AS/NZS 4282 to independently run calculations on AGI32 or DIALux and prepare Green Star reports.
• Confidence with Revit, Photoshop, InDesign and Bluebeam.
• Clear visual and verbal communication of design ideas
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Good client care and a collaborative approach.

What we offer

• Varied, high-profile cultural and civic projects
• A small studio where you'll have real responsibility and direct client relationships
• Connection to a broader international practice with colleagues in the US
• Flexibility to work from home two days per week
• Salary of AUD $90,000 to $110,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus superannuation

To apply, please send your CV and a portfolio of recent work, along with a short note on why this role interests you.

Schuler Shook is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive, welcoming workplace.