Process Piping Designer

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services, including data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, and education, as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, and advanced robotics.

About the role

We’re currently accepting applications for Process Piping Designer candidates to be considered for future projects. The Process Piping Designer will assist in the creation, management, and coordination of 3D models and drawings for GMP process utility piping systems. The role bridges process engineering requirements with practical, code-compliant piping design, ensuring systems meet sanitary, hygienic, and regulatory standards specific to the pharmaceutical sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3D piping models and 2D isometric/orthographic drawings using CAD/BIM software (primarily Revit & AutoCAD Plant 3D).
• Design process piping systems including WFI (Water for Injection), Purified Water, Clean Steam, CIP/SIP (Clean-in-Place/Sterilize-in-Place), process gases, and chemical transfer lines, applying sanitary piping design principles (slope, drainability, dead-leg minimization) in accordance with ASME BPE (Bioprocessing Equipment) standards.
• Coordinate with process engineering, instrumentation and controls, mechanical, and other disciplines to resolve interdisciplinary conflicts.
• Generate and maintain piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), line lists, piping plans, isometric drawings, and material take-offs (MTOs).
• Interface with clients and vendors to clarify design requirements and specifications.
• Draft clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and drafting manuals to guide junior designers and external contractors.
• Assist in building, testing, and maintaining 3D piping material specifications and component catalogs within the plant design software.
• Create, maintain, and update master drawing templates, title blocks, symbology libraries, and layer configurations to ensure consistency across all project deliverables.
• Provide technical support, onboarding, and mentorship to team members on software configurations, workflow best practices, and standard compliance.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree in Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Engineering Technology, Drafting, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of technical training and hands-on piping design experience will also be considered in lieu of a degree. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is a plus but not required.
• Experience: 3–7 years of piping design experience, with demonstrated experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or other high-purity/sanitary process industries.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in 3D piping design software (AutoCAD Plant 3D, AVEVA E3D/PDMS, SmartPlant 3D, or similar).
  • Working knowledge of ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) and ASME BPE (Bioprocessing Equipment) standards.
  • Experience with modular/skid-based pharmaceutical process equipment.
  • Knowledge of isometric review and clash detection workflows in a 3D modeling environment.
  • Experience with sanitary fittings, tri-clamp connections, orbital welding requirements, and hygienic design principles.
  • Understanding of clean utility systems (WFI, Purified Water, Clean Steam, Compressed Air/Gases).
  • Strong interdisciplinary coordination and communication skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, equipment specifications, and vendor drawings.
• Nice to Have:
  • Autodesk Certified Professional (AutoCAD and/or Revit MEP).
  • Familiarity with ASME BPE standards and training.
  • Prior experience mentoring junior designers or standardizing CAD/BIM workflows.

Location: Office role based in Raleigh, NC. Occasional travel based on project needs.