intelligent lighting engineer
Role lens
Bring the magic of light to life! As an intelligent lighting engineer, you'll be at the forefront of creating captivating visual experiences for live performances, using cutting-edge digital technology.
Intelligent lighting engineers are vital members of performance teams, responsible for the technical execution of lighting designs. Your days will involve setting up, preparing, checking, and maintaining sophisticated lighting equipment, ensuring optimal lighting quality for everything from concerts and theatre productions to corporate events. You’ll work closely with the road crew, collaborating on the practical aspects of bringing a lighting vision to reality.
- • Unloading, setting up, and operating digital and automated lighting equipment and instruments.
- • Preparing and checking lighting systems to ensure they meet the designer’s specifications.
- • Maintaining lighting equipment to prevent malfunctions and ensure optimal performance.
Bring the magic of light to life! As an intelligent lighting engineer, you'll be at the forefront of creating captivating visual experiences for live performances, using cutting-edge digital technology.
Could intelligent lighting engineer fit you?
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What people in this role usually do
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
A typical day as a intelligent lighting engineer
09 09:00 · Morning draw up lighting plan
10 10:30 · Mid-morning maintain automated lighting equipment
12 12:00 · Midday adapt to artists' creative demands
14 14:00 · Afternoon design an artificial lighting system
15 15:30 · Late afternoon distribute control signals
17 17:00 · Wrap-up pack electronic equipment
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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artificial lighting systems
Types of artificial lighting and their power consumption. HF fluorescent lighting, LED lighting, natural daylight and programmed control systems allow an efficient use of energy.
- image recognition
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work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
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use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
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prevent fire in a performance environment
Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.
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work with respect for own safety
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
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follow safety procedures when working at heights
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
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assess power needs
Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.
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prepare personal work environment
Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.
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distribute control signals
Distribute control signals between light boards, dimmers and other lighting equipment. Control systems can be either DMX or network based.
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set up light board
Install, connect and try out light board in a live performance environment.
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prevent technical problems with lighting equipment
Anticipate possible technical problems with lighting equipment.
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maintain automated lighting equipment
Set up, check and repair automated lighting equipment and maintain its software.
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read lighting plans
Read the instructions on the light plan to determine the light equipment needed and the right placement.
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use technical documentation
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
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understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
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draw up lighting plan
Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.
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work safely with machines
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
Growth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does intelligent lighting engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of training or background is helpful for becoming an intelligent lighting engineer?
- A strong technical aptitude and an understanding of electrical systems are essential. Many intelligent lighting engineers have a background in stage lighting, electrical engineering, or a related field. Practical experience with lighting consoles and automated lighting systems is highly valuable.
- Do intelligent lighting engineers typically work freelance or as employees?
- This occupation is primarily employee-based, with most intelligent lighting engineers finding positions within production companies, theatres, concert venues, or touring show crews. While freelance opportunities can exist, a stable career path is typically found through employment.
- What are some of the challenges an intelligent lighting engineer might face?
- Challenges can include working long and irregular hours, often under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Troubleshooting technical problems quickly and efficiently is also crucial, as is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and collaborate effectively with a diverse team.