Work location:

• This position requires on-site presence in Decatur, GA, following a hybrid work model.

Job Summary

The Architectural / Commercial Downlighting Engineering team rapidly delivers customer-specific, high-impact lighting solutions. This team works closely with Sales, Product Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Certification and Testing, and other Engineering teams to execute time-critical, revenue-driving programs across the Gotham and Commercial Downlighting portfolios.

The Senior Design Engineer oversees the end-to-end rapid product development process, managing projects from initial concept through production. Responsibilities include new product development, sustaining engineering, and addressing field-related issues. This position leads electro-mechanical product design and redesign activities, encompassing building & maintaining Bills of Material and preparation of detailed component drawings, while ensuring adherence to performance, cost, quality, compliance, and scheduling requirements. The role demands strong problem definition skills, rigorous validation of AI-generated insights, and human ownership of final engineering decisions. AI is used to scale analysis and consistency while human judgment, intent, and accountability remain central to the role.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
• Leads various aspects of the design process including, but not limited to, the development of part geometry, assembly design and drawing generation. Design work varies from new product development to product enhancements and cost reduction activities. Develops and distributes engineering data in the form of Engineering Change Notices, bills of material and parts tracking (40%)
• Partners with the internal manufacturing facilities to resolve part or assembly issues, deviation requests and bill of material errors in an effort to keep the manufacturing lines running and ensure quality product is produced. Conducts pilot/pre-production runs (15%)
• Actively participates in, or lead on occasion, team meetings using the product delivery system (stage gate product development) for each major product (10%)
• Initiates and develops concepts for new products from Project Charters, and Specification Matrix provided by the Product Manager and other avenues such as reviewing competitor's samples and documentation, and free design techniques. Ensures all concepts are agreeable with standard manufacturing methods utilized in the appropriate manufacturing facility (15%)
• Continuously looks for, and actively implements process improvements related to productivity, quality, purchasing and manufacturing; to include sourcing new or alternate processes, equipment, and/or training of manpower. Looks for advancements or changes in technology via tradeshows, technology councils, vendors or other methods (10%)
• Develop test plans, submit test requests and works directly with the certification and testing groups. Submits prototyping requests and works directly with the model shop for the production of prototypes and assembly of samples. Reviews functional specifications, project charters and competitors' samples (10%)

Skills and Minimum Experience Required
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience in engineering in lighting or a related field
• Proficient use of SolidWorks, cloud-based file sharing, PLM/ERP systems (Windchill, Oracle, or similar), MS Office, etc.
• Possesses understanding in a number of manufacturing methods (such as stamping, drawing, casting, extruding of metals and plastics) and finishing techniques (such as painting, plating, anodizing, and vacuum metalizing)
• Understands applicable standards such as UL, DLC, and/or Energy Star standards and testing processes
• Leadership to influence and enlist the cooperation of other team members to work towards the goal of completing and implementing new product development on time, and in budget
• Ability to communicate verbally, in written form and through sketches, and engineering drawings
• Ability to work in cross-functional team environments
• Experience using AI-enabled tools to accelerate design exploration, surface risks earlier, and improve decision quality across the product life cycle

Preferred Skills and Experience
• Mechanical Engineering degree or relevant discipline
• Commercial lighting experience preferred
• Proficiency in use of AI and AI Agents

Travel Requirements

• 1-20%

The range for this position is $83,300.00 to $130,000. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.