Lighting Design Intern (Available June 2026)

See it differently

You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future.

Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of interns to help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.

The Opportunity

Develop concepts and strategies for lighting projects, with senior team members

Lighting calculations (Electrical and Daylighting)

Produce lighting modeling including building computer and physical models (3-D and 2-D)

Develop visual materials to represent lighting designs, including inside of Photoshop and Adobe Suite

Report writing

Working on projects using Revit

Giving initial structure to ideas through testing and using spreadsheets, reports, sketching and analyses for discussion

Working with vendors to gain knowledge on new subjects and assist in facilitating meetings

Attending meetings and learning from listening, participating with teams, architects and other disciplines

Is this role right for you?

Pursuing a Bachelor or Master's Degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Interior Design, Lighting Design, Building Science, Theatre design or similar related field

Core interest in the lighting design industry with an emphasis on architectural lighting design, daylighting, or architectural application of theatre lighting design

Understanding of lighting fundamentals including photometric quantities, calculation techniques, and light source types

Ability to model in 3D via Rhino, AutoCAD, Revit and / or SketchUp

Experience with MS word, Excel, and Adobe Suite

Experience with AGI-32, Dialux, or similar lighting software

Capability to explain spatial design in a conversational and visual context

Coursework in Architectural or Lighting Systems Design and / or Building Systems Design

Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential for team-based working

Portfolio or work sample included in application

Internship experience in a consulting firm with emphasis on lighting design preferred

Academic research with relevant focus preferred

Membership in IES and Student IALD preferred

Experience with Radiance preferred

Experience with technical writing preferred

Exposure to programming such as, but not limited to, Python, C++, C# preferred

The ability to prioritize effectively, balance assigned work and exceptional organization skills required for our constantly evolving environment

Skilled in hand sketching preferred

Candidate must be eligible to work in the US without the need for employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future to be considered for this role.

We’re looking for :

Changemakers : A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.

Innovative minds : We’re looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.

Growth seekers : You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.

Adaptable adventurers : You’re ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Our intern experience offers you :

Purpose-driven work : Join an employee-owned team tackling climate, biodiversity, and social challenges, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Create remarkable outcomes : We trust you to explore challenges, drive change, and create lasting outcomes for our clients, climate and communities.

Inclusive culture : Your unique perspective matters. We celebrate diversity and foster a supportive, social environment where everyone belongs.

Career growth : Grow your skills through innovative projects, training, and mentoring in a supportive environment. We invest in your future.

Work-life balance : Our hybrid model offers flexibility to balance work with your life. We balance your needs with our clients and communities

Los Angeles Hiring Range  - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in Los Angeles, CA is $24 / hour to $43 / hour.  This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level.  Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of Los Angeles, CA will differ.

San Francisco Hiring Range  - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in San Francisco, CA is $26.50 / hour to $47.50 / hour.  This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level.  Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of San Francisco, CA will differ.

Next Steps

We will be reviewing our candidates for this position on a rolling basis. Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll invite you to showcase your skills through a pre-recorded video interview if you’ve met the minimum requirements. After reviewing your submission, a member of our team will get in touch with you to discuss the next steps.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of a protected veteran, or disability.

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