You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Architectural Lighting Engineering Intern

Tivoli LLC
Email

Architectural Lighting Engineering Intern – Product Development and Manufacturing

 

Company: Tivoli Lighting
Location: Irvine, California
Position Type: Paid Internship
Schedule: Part-time during the academic year or full-time during summer
Compensation: $21 per hour, depending on experience
Work Arrangement: On-site

About Tivoli Lighting

Tivoli Lighting is an architectural lighting manufacturer headquartered in Irvine, California. Since 1966, Tivoli has developed innovative linear, cove, façade, theater, and specialty lighting solutions for commercial and architectural applications.

Our products combine mechanical design, LED technology, optics, electronics, lighting controls, and manufacturing. This internship gives students an opportunity to participate in real product-development and operational projects while learning how architectural lighting products are designed, tested, manufactured, and applied.

Internship Overview

Tivoli is seeking a motivated student to join our Engineering and Product Development team. The intern will work with engineering, production, quality, sales, and marketing personnel on projects involving LED lighting products, mechanical components, electrical systems, controls, technical documentation, and manufacturing processes.

This is a project-based internship. The selected intern will be assigned meaningful projects with defined objectives and deliverables rather than only routine administrative work.

Potential Responsibilities

Depending on the student’s background and Tivoli’s current projects, responsibilities may include:

  • Assist with the design and development of architectural LED lighting products.
  • Create or update 2D AutoCAD drawings and 3D product models.
  • Assist with the development of Revit families and BIM content.
  • Prepare product assembly drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions.
  • Build and evaluate product prototypes and mockups.
  • Support mechanical, electrical, thermal, and lighting-performance testing.
  • Assist with LED drivers, power supplies, wiring, DMX, RGBW, or SPI control systems.
  • Review product specifications and organize technical documentation.
  • Support photometric testing and review IES files.
  • Help improve production fixtures, assembly processes, and quality procedures.
  • Participate in product demonstrations, factory tours, and cross-functional meetings.
  • Research new materials, components, manufacturing methods, and lighting technologies.
  • Document project results and present a final summary to Tivoli’s management team.

The intern will not necessarily perform every responsibility listed above. Assignments will be based on the student’s major, interests, experience, and current company needs.

Preferred Majors

Students pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in one of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Lighting Design
  • Industrial or Product Design
  • CAD, Drafting, or Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Computer Science or Data Science

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program.
  • Interest in product design, architectural lighting, engineering, or manufacturing.
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and work with different departments.
  • Ability to organize assignments and meet agreed project deadlines.
  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
  • Comfortable working in both an office and manufacturing environment.
  • Authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the internship.

Preferred Experience

Experience in any of the following areas is helpful but not required:

  • AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, or similar CAD software
  • Revit or BIM modeling
  • Electrical circuits, LED systems, or low-voltage wiring
  • Arduino, Raspberry Pi, DMX, SPI, or lighting-control systems
  • 3D printing and prototype development
  • AGi32, DIALux, or photometric software
  • Manufacturing, assembly, or quality-control processes
  • Excel, Power BI, Python, AI tools, or data analysis
  • Graphic design or technical-document preparation

Students are not expected to know everything listed above. Tivoli is looking for candidates with curiosity, initiative, problem-solving ability, and an interest in learning.

What the Intern Will Gain

  • Hands-on experience with real commercial lighting products.
  • Exposure to the complete product-development process, from concept through manufacturing.
  • Experience working with engineering, production, quality, purchasing, sales, and marketing teams.
  • Practical knowledge of LEDs, optics, power supplies, controls, thermal management, and product construction.
  • Opportunities to develop portfolio-quality technical work.
  • Mentoring from experienced lighting and manufacturing professionals.
  • Experience presenting technical findings and project results.
  • Potential consideration for future internships or full-time employment.

Internship Structure

  • Approximately 10–12 weeks for a summer internship, or an agreed semester-based schedule.
  • Full-time summer schedule or approximately 15–20 hours per week during the academic year.
  • On-site work at Tivoli’s Irvine facility.
  • Assigned supervisor and project mentor.
  • Initial orientation and facility tour.
  • Defined project goals and regular progress reviews.
  • Final project presentation at the conclusion of the internship.

Physical and Workplace Requirements

The intern may occasionally be required to:

  • Work around manufacturing and product-testing areas.
  • Handle lighting samples, tools, and prototype components.
  • Stand or walk through production areas.
  • Lift or move samples weighing up to approximately 25 pounds, with assistance available when necessary.
  • Follow all company safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals.

How to Apply

Please submit the following through Handshake:

  • Resume
  • Brief cover letter describing your area of study and interest in architectural lighting
  • Current or unofficial transcript
  • Portfolio or examples of technical work, if available

In the cover letter, please identify one or two areas that interest you most:

  • Mechanical product design
  • Electrical engineering and lighting controls
  • Manufacturing and process improvement
  • Revit, BIM, or CAD development
  • Lighting design and photometrics
  • Product data, automation, or AI

Equal Opportunity Statement

Tivoli Lighting is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Tivoli does not discriminate based on any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.