Pipe Designer

Position Summary

The Pipe Designer is responsible for developing detailed piping system designs for heavy industrial facilities, including refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical processing facilities, power generation plants, LNG terminals, mining operations, and other industrial construction projects. This role transforms engineering concepts and process requirements into constructible, fabrication-ready piping designs by creating detailed 3D models, layout drawings, isometrics, fabrication details, and material take-offs. The Pipe Designer works closely with process, mechanical, structural, civil, and construction teams to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective installation of piping systems while maintaining compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Piping Design and Layout Development
• Interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), process flow diagrams (PFDs), equipment layouts, vendor drawings, and engineering specifications to develop detailed piping designs.
• Create, modify, and maintain 2D and 3D piping models using software such as PDMS, E3D, AutoCAD Plant 3D, CADWorx, SmartPlant 3D, or similar design platforms.
• Design piping systems that meet process, operational, maintenance, safety, and constructability requirements.
• Develop piping layouts that optimize equipment accessibility, maintenance clearances, operational efficiency, and material utilization.
• Ensure routing complies with project standards, client specifications, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
• Detailed Design and Pipe Routing
• Generate detailed piping arrangement drawings, plans, sections, and elevations for construction and fabrication.
• Create isometric shop drawings complete with dimensions, weld locations, spool breakdowns, pipe specifications, and installation details.
• Specify and incorporate appropriate pipe classes, wall thicknesses, fittings, valves, flanges, specialty items, and supports based on design requirements.
• Dimension piping runs accurately to facilitate fabrication, installation, and field fit-up.
• Verify piping designs for proper stress considerations, drainage, venting, accessibility, and constructability.
• Fabrication and Construction Support
• Develop detailed fabrication drawings and spool packages to support shop fabrication activities.
• Prepare welding details, pipe bending requirements, tie-in details, and other fabrication documentation.
• Coincide with fabrication shops and construction personnel to resolve design issues and support efficient production.
• Participate in constructability reviews to improve installation sequencing and reduce field rework.
• Support field construction activities by responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) and providing design clarifications.
• Multidisciplinary Coordination
• Collaborate with process engineers to verify line sizing, process conditions, pressure ratings, temperature requirements, and material selections.
• Coordinate with mechanical engineers to ensure proper interface between piping systems and process equipment.
• Work closely with structural and civil designers to identify and resolve piping clashes, support conflicts, underground utility interference, and routing challenges.
• Coordinate piping support requirements with structural teams to ensure adequate load paths and support installations.
• Participate in interdisciplinary model reviews and clash detection sessions to maintain design integrity.
• Material Management and Procurement Support
• Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), Material Take-Offs (MTOs), and piping commodity reports.
• Calculate quantities of piping materials, valves, fittings, flanges, gaskets, supports, and specialty items required for construction.
• Support procurement teams by providing detailed material data, specifications, and purchasing information.
• Afford assistance in evaluating vendor drawings and incorporating approved equipment data into project models.
• Field Verification and Site Support
• Conduct site walkdowns and field verifications to validate existing conditions and gather design information.
• Verify dimensions, elevations, tie-in locations, equipment positioning, and potential installation constraints.
• Document field observations and update designs to reflect actual site conditions.
• Support construction and commissioning teams during installation, testing, and startup activities as required.
• Quality and Compliance
• Ensure all piping designs comply with project specifications, client requirements, company standards, and applicable industry codes such as ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Perform drawing and model reviews to maintain accuracy, completeness, and quality.
• Maintain document control and revision management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support safety reviews, HAZOP studies, constructability reviews, and design audits.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in Drafting, Design Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• 3+ years of piping design experience in industrial construction, process plants, refineries, petrochemical facilities, power generation, mining, or similar heavy industrial environments.
• Proficiency with PDMS, E3D, AutoCAD Plant 3D, SmartPlant 3D, CADWorx, or comparable piping design software.
• Strong understanding of piping components, fabrication methods, installation practices, and industry standards.
• Experience producing isometric drawings, BOMs, material take-offs, and fabrication packages.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and interdisciplinary coordination skills.
• Ability to conduct field walkdowns and work in active industrial environments.