Lighting Programmer

Job Overview
The Lighting Programmer is responsible for programming, commissioning, and maintaining advanced lighting systems for a variety of projects, including themed attractions, live events, museums, and architectural installations. This role requires technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and a passion for designing and executing high-quality lighting experiences. The Lighting Programmer collaborates closely with designers, technical managers, and project teams to bring creative visions to life while ensuring reliable and efficient system performance.

The Lighting Programmer is also a key in-house programming specialist responsible for standardizing lighting control processes, protocols, and documentation. This role works across all projects to ensure a consistent narrative and control framework is established from the outset both project and company wide. With a strong foundation in control systems and the flexibility to learn new technologies, this person will collaborate with internal teams and support external contractors to deliver high-quality, integrated lighting solutions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programming and Commissioning

• Program lighting control systems, consoles, and devices to meet creative and technical specifications.
• Work with control protocols such as DMX, sACN, ArtNet, RDM, and other protocols.
• Configure and test lighting systems to ensure seamless operation and high-quality output.

System Design and Collaboration

• Collaborate with lighting designers, technical managers, and technical teams to interpret design specs and implement creative concepts.
• Sit on the front end of all projects to help define the lighting control narrative, theory of operations, and framework.
• Assist in lighting system design, including control layouts, patching, cue structures, and protocol planning.
• Provide input on control equipment selection and system configuration to optimize performance and uptime.

On-Site Support and Troubleshooting

• Support installation and commissioning of lighting systems remotely and on-site.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during installation, testing, and live operation.
• Perform system updates, maintenance, and repairs to ensure reliability and efficiency.
• Assist daily programming needs for established installations with themed or cause based updates.

Documentation and Training

• Standardize and maintain programming documentation such as cue lists, patch sheets, and system configurations.
• Create triggers and protocol paperwork for streamlined project handovers.
• Train operators, technicians, and clients on system operations and best practices.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with emerging lighting technologies, control systems, and programming trends.
• Recommend new tools, software, or hardware to enhance workflow and performance.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Proficient with control systems and protocols including DMX, sACN, ArtNet, RDM, and IP based networking.
• Experience with lighting control platforms such as Pharos, CueServer, ETC, Madrix, Crestron, and Lutron.
• Familiarity with Q-SYS, audio integration, and interactive system triggers.
• Comfortable working across disciplines and supporting creative, technical, and installation teams.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience as a lighting programmer in themed attractions, live events, or architectural lighting projects.
• Expertise in programming live event lighting consoles such as ETC, GrandMA, Hog, or similar systems.
• Strong understanding of lighting control protocols, networking, and advanced lighting systems.
• Familiarity with media servers, video playback systems, and projection mapping is an asset.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and paperwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Professional certification such as ETCP, CTS, or similar is an asset.
• Bachelor’s degree in lighting design, theatre technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.