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Freelance Autocad Piping Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Process Piping Designer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This ... Proficiency in 3D piping design software (AutoCAD Plant 3D, AVEVA E3D/PDMS, SmartPlant 3D, or ...

Process Piping Designer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This ... Proficiency in 3D piping design software (AutoCAD Plant 3D, AVEVA E3D/PDMS, SmartPlant 3D, or ...

Piping Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$60 - $65/hr

AutoCAD Plant 3D (expert level, hands-on) * AutoCAD Civil 3D (expert level, hands-on) * Strong ... with P&IDs, piping layouts, and plan/profile development Preferred * Aveva E3D or similar 3D ...

Piping Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$60 - $65/hr

AutoCAD Plant 3D (expert level, hands-on) * AutoCAD Civil 3D (expert level, hands-on) * Strong ... with P&IDs, piping layouts, and plan/profile development Preferred * Aveva E3D or similar 3D ...

Piping Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$60 - $65/hr

AutoCAD Plant 3D (expert level, hands-on) * AutoCAD Civil 3D (expert level, hands-on) * Strong ... with P&IDs, piping layouts, and plan/profile development Preferred * Aveva E3D or similar 3D ...

Piping Designer - Position and Responsibilities As a Piping Designer with Middough, you will create ... AutoCAD, 3D CAD piping design capability using Autodesk Plant 3D, and SolidWORKS or Inventor.

Senior Piping Designer

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$64.51 - $70.97/hr

Senior Piping Designer Location: Chesterfield, MO Zip Code: 63017 Start Date: Right Away Keywords ... Proficiency with CAD and 3D modeling tools used for plant design, such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D ...

Piping Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

AutoCAD Plant 3D (expert level, hands-on) * AutoCAD Civil 3D (expert level, hands-on) * Strong ... with P&IDs, piping layouts, and plan/profile development Preferred * Aveva E3D or similar 3D ...

Senior Piping Designer

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$64.51 - $70.97/hr

Senior Piping Designer Location: Chesterfield, MO Zip Code: 63017 Start Date: Right Away Keywords ... Proficiency with CAD and 3D modeling tools used for plant design, such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D ...

Role Overview We are seeking Piping Designers for upcoming hybrid and remote opportunities. In this ... Advanced working knowledge and proficiency in 2D/3D modeling software, specifically AutoCAD Plant ...

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 ...

UT · 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 ...

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 ...

Job Title: Piping Designer III Location: Perry, OH Type: Contract Compensation: $52.00 - DOE ... Strong CAD skills with experience in AutoCad, Microstation, or Revit with a willingness to learn ...

Senior Piping Designer

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$64.51 - $70.97/hr

Senior Piping Designer Location: Chesterfield, MO Zip Code: 63017 Start Date: Right Away Keywords ... Proficiency with CAD and 3D modeling tools used for plant design, such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D ...

Advanced proficiency with 2D AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D, and Revit * Experience with Navisworks for ... Experience designing piping systems associated with pumps, tanks, heat exchangers, pressure vessels ...

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Freelance Autocad Piping Designer information

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$24

$51

$73

How much do freelance autocad piping designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance autocad 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 AutoCAD piping designer do?

A Freelance AutoCAD Piping Designer creates detailed piping layouts and schematics using AutoCAD software for various industries, such as oil and gas, chemical, or manufacturing. They are responsible for designing and drafting piping systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client specifications. As freelancers, they often work remotely or on a contract basis for different clients, offering flexibility and specialized expertise. Their work helps ensure the safe and efficient transport of fluids or gases within a facility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance AutoCAD piping designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance AutoCAD Piping Designer, you need strong proficiency in piping design principles, AutoCAD software expertise, and a solid understanding of industry codes and standards, often supported by a relevant engineering or drafting qualification. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD Plant 3D, piping design software, and sometimes certification in CAD or piping design is highly valuable. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and clear communication with clients and project stakeholders set top designers apart. These skills ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient piping designs that meet client needs and industry requirements.

How do freelance AutoCAD piping designers typically collaborate with project teams when working remotely?

Freelance Autocad Piping Designers often collaborate with engineers, project managers, and other designers using cloud-based platforms and communication tools such as BIM 360, AutoCAD web services, and video conferencing. They regularly share updates, clarify requirements, and submit drafts for feedback through these channels. Maintaining clear documentation and being proactive in communication is essential to ensure design accuracy and timely completion. This remote teamwork structure allows for flexibility but requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills to align with the project's goals and schedules.

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

AspectFreelance Autocad Piping DesignerMechanical Drafter
CredentialsAutocad certification, piping design experienceDrafting certifications, CAD skills
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, often remoteIn-house or consulting firms, office setting
Industry UsageOil & gas, chemical, plumbing projectsManufacturing, machinery, equipment design
Search & Comparison IntentDesign-focused, piping projects, freelance opportunitiesMechanical drafting, CAD drafting roles

The Freelance Autocad Piping Designer specializes in piping systems, often working independently on specific projects, while a Mechanical Drafter focuses on creating detailed mechanical drawings for various equipment and machinery. Both roles require CAD skills and industry knowledge, but they serve different technical needs and work environments.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Autocad Piping Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Autocad Piping Designer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Autocad Piping Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Autocad Piping Designer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Autocad Piping Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% 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 6 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 453 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.

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