Associate Process Engineer Jobs in Apex, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

Process Piping Designer

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we are committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

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 know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

We’re currently accepting applications for Process Piping Designer candidates to be considered for future projects.

Job Summary: 

The Process Piping Designer will assist in the creation, management, and coordination of 3D models and drawings for GMP process utility piping systems. The Process Piping Designer is responsible for developing detailed piping designs and layouts that support pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, including bulk API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) production, biotech processing, and cGMP-regulated clean utilities. This 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 and Experience:

• 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: This position is an office role based in Raleigh, NC.

Travel: Flexibility and willingness for occasional travel based on project needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.