ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance 3D Piping Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salas O'Brien

Process Piping Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Process Piping Designer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This ... Develop 3D piping models and 2D isometric/orthographic drawings using CAD/BIM software (Primarily ...

Piping & Equipment Company

BIM Piping Designer

Spring, TX · On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

This role focuses on 3D piping layout and routing, coordination with related disciplines, and development of constructible, accessible designs that align with project specifications and industry ...

WorleyParsons

Senior Piping Designer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Create and maintain piping design information in 3D model environments such as E3D, SP3D, AutoCAD ... Mentor junior designers and support team knowledge sharing, checking, and continuous improvement ...

KBR

Senior Piping Designer

Newark, DE · On-site

Title: Senior Piping Designer KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and ... Proficiency with 3D Piping software (PDMS preferred) & 2D MicroStation or AutoCAD is required.

KBR

Senior Piping Designer

Newark, DE · On-site

Title: Senior Piping Designer KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and ... Proficiency with 3D Piping software (PDMS preferred) & 2D MicroStation or AutoCAD is required.

Hireblazer

Piping Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

As a Piping Designer at the client, you will lead the configuration of projects in AutoCAD Plant 3D (or similar software packages), develop best practices and workflows for drafting and modeling, and ...

Actalent

Piping Designer

Colorado Springs, CO

$28.85 - $43.27/hr

Job Title: Piping Designer This mid-level CAD Designer role focuses on piping and industrial ... Create detailed 3D piping models using CADWorx, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project ...

KBR

Lead Piping Designer

Newark, DE · On-site

Lead Piping Designer KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added ... Proficiency with 3D Piping software (E3D preferred) & 2D MicroStation or AutoCAD is required.

Eichleay, Inc

Piping Designer

Billings, MT · Hybrid

$39 - $46/hr

We are seeking Piping Designer able to work on projects of varying size and complexity. This ... This position requires basic AutoCAD/CAD skills, exposure to 2D/3D piping design, and familiarity ...

Worley

Senior Piping Designer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Create and maintain piping design information in 3D model environments such as E3D, SP3D, AutoCAD ... Mentor junior designers and support team knowledge sharing, checking, and continuous improvement ...

Colonial Staffing Group

Piping Designer

Nashville, TN · On-site

... Designer to support a long-term project in Tennessee. This position will support complex ... Expert-level proficiency with AutoCAD 2D and AutoCAD Plant 3D * Minimum 6 years of relevant piping ...

Hikinex

PIPING DESIGNER for Sirch Inc.

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Develop and prepare 3D piping models, layouts, isometrics, and orthographic drawings for process ... create accurate piping designs. * Ensure compliance with project specifications, codes, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobsfreelance JobsConstruction JobsPiping JobsMechanical Piping Designer JobsFreelance 3D Piping Designer Jobs

Freelance 3D Piping Designer information

See salary details

$24

$51

$73

How much do freelance 3d piping designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance 3d piping designer in the United States is $51.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.31 and $61.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance 3D piping designer do?

A Freelance 3D Piping Designer creates detailed 3D models and layouts of piping systems used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, and manufacturing. They use specialized software to design and visualize pipe routing, support structures, and equipment connections, ensuring the systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with industry standards. Working on a freelance basis, they may collaborate with engineers, architects, and project managers to deliver accurate and constructible piping designs for various projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance 3D piping designer?

To thrive as a Freelance 3D Piping Designer, you need expertise in piping design principles, a background in mechanical or related engineering, and experience interpreting technical drawings and specifications. Proficiency with software like AutoCAD Plant 3D, PDMS, SmartPlant, or similar industry-standard 3D modeling tools is typically required, along with familiarity with relevant codes and standards. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help distinguish top performers, especially when coordinating with remote project teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate, compliant, and efficient piping designs that meet client and project requirements.

What are some common challenges freelance 3D piping designers face when working with remote clients, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance 3D piping designers often encounter challenges like unclear project specifications, differences in software compatibility, and limited access to project data when working remotely with clients. Clear communication is essential—regular check-ins, detailed kickoff meetings, and thorough documentation help minimize misunderstandings. Using industry-standard CAD tools and establishing file-sharing protocols also ensures smoother collaboration. Proactively addressing these issues can lead to more efficient workflows and successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Freelance 3D Piping Designer vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectFreelance 3D Piping DesignerMechanical Drafter
CredentialsCAD certifications, piping design experienceCAD drafting certifications, mechanical drawing skills
Work EnvironmentProject-based, remote or onsite, engineering firmsOffice or remote, manufacturing or engineering companies
Industry UsageOil & gas, chemical, power plantsManufacturing, HVAC, machinery

Both roles require CAD skills and industry-specific knowledge. A Freelance 3D Piping Designer specializes in piping systems using 3D modeling, often working on engineering projects remotely. A Mechanical Drafter focuses on creating detailed mechanical drawings for various industries. While they share technical skills, their focus areas and project types differ significantly.

More about Freelance 3D Piping Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance 3D Piping Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance 3D Piping Designer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Piping Designer jobs?

The most popular types of 3D Piping Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance 3D Piping Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance 3D Piping Designer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance 3D Piping Designer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance 3D Piping Designer jobs are:

Freelance 3D Piping Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 3D Piping Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,379 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Process Piping Designer

Salas O'Brien

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 452 rated engineering

Job description

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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Salas O'Brien employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply