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Piping Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Piping Design Technician

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$108K - $133K/yr

Piping Design Technician (Senior Revit BIM Specialist) Role Overview We are seeking an experienced and self-directed Piping Design Technician to independently develop complex piping designs, lead ...

Piping Design Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Role Overview We are hiring Piping Design Engineers to rebuild how piping design is done. Piping is one of the largest cost and schedule drivers in a refinery, and one of the least automated ...

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Piping Design information

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$24

$51

$73

How much do piping design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for piping design 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 is piping design?

Piping design is the process of planning, creating, and documenting the layout of pipes and related components within industrial facilities, such as power plants, chemical plants, or oil refineries. It involves determining the most efficient and safe routes for piping systems to transport fluids and gases, while considering factors like pressure, temperature, flow rates, and material compatibility. Piping designers use specialized software and adhere to industry standards to ensure the systems are functional, safe, and cost-effective.

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

To thrive as a Piping Designer, you need strong knowledge of piping systems, engineering principles, and familiarity with industry codes, typically supported by a degree or diploma in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD, PDMS, or SmartPlant), 3D modeling tools, and understanding of P&IDs is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication help ensure accurate designs and successful coordination with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are vital for creating safe, efficient, and cost-effective piping layouts that meet project specifications and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by piping designers when coordinating with other engineering disciplines on a project?

Piping designers often work closely with structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, which requires careful coordination to avoid clashes and ensure efficient routing. One common challenge is managing spatial constraints in crowded plant environments, where multiple systems must fit within limited space. Effective communication, regular design reviews, and the use of advanced 3D modeling software help mitigate these issues and ensure that all engineering requirements are met without costly rework.

What is the difference between Piping Design vs Piping Drafting?

AspectPiping DesignPiping Drafting
Primary FocusCreating detailed piping layouts, specifications, and design conceptsPreparing detailed drawings and technical sketches based on design concepts
Required SkillsDesign principles, CAD software, engineering knowledgeDrafting skills, CAD proficiency, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, project sitesDrafting rooms, engineering offices
CertificationsEngineering degrees, piping design certificationsDrafting certifications, CAD training

While Piping Design involves creating the overall piping layouts and specifications, Piping Drafting focuses on producing detailed drawings based on those designs. Both roles require CAD skills, but Piping Design emphasizes engineering knowledge and conceptual planning, whereas Piping Drafting centers on technical drawing execution.

How do you become a piping design?

To become a piping designer, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a technical degree or diploma in piping design, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD or MicroStation and understanding piping codes and standards are essential; certifications like the Certified Piping Designer (CPD) can also enhance job prospects.

Is piping design a good career?

Piping design is a specialized engineering field that involves creating detailed plans for piping systems used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, and power plants. It offers opportunities for steady employment, technical skill development, and the use of CAD software, with a demand for qualified professionals in large industrial projects. Career growth often depends on experience, certifications, and industry demand.

What does a piping design do?

A piping designer creates detailed plans and specifications for the layout, routing, and construction of piping systems used in industrial, commercial, or infrastructure projects. They use CAD software and industry standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with codes. Their work supports the proper flow of fluids such as water, gas, or chemicals within facilities.
More about Piping Design jobs

What cities are hiring for Piping Design jobs?

Cities with the most Piping Design job openings:

What states have the most Piping Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Piping Design jobs include:

Infographic showing various Piping Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,379 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Piping Design Lead

Baton Rouge, LA

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Piping Design Lead to join our engineering team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This position will lead piping design activities for
industrial projects supporting the refining, petrochemical, chemical, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
The Piping Design Lead will be responsible for directing piping design execution, coordinating multidisciplinary interfaces, and ensuring project deliverables
are accurate, constructible, and completed in accordance with client standards, project requirements, schedules, and budgets. The successful candidate will
provide technical leadership to piping designers, work closely with engineering and project management teams, and support projects from conceptual
development and front-end engineering through detailed design, and construction.

Responsibilities
• Develop equipment layouts, piping layouts, plot plans, piping plans, sections, details, and isometric drawings.
• Lead the development and maintenance of three-dimensional plant models.
• Establish piping routing concepts that address process requirements, operability, maintenance access, safety, constructability, and cost.
• Review process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, line lists, equipment data, vendor drawings, piping specifications, and project design
criteria.
• Coordinate piping design requirements with process, mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, instrumentation, stress, and construction disciplines.
• Coordinate equipment locations, nozzle orientations, pipe-rack layouts, access requirements, maintenance clearances, and support locations.
• Work closely with piping engineers and stress analysts to implement flexibility requirements, support recommendations, and special design considerations.
• Lead model reviews and participate in interdisciplinary design, constructability, operability, and safety reviews.
• Identify and resolve design conflicts, model interferences, incomplete information, and constructability concerns.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of piping designers and drafters.
• Develop and maintain piping design execution plans, work-hour estimates, staffing requirements, schedules, and deliverable lists.
• Assign work, establish priorities, monitor progress, and ensure piping design activities remain aligned with project objectives.
• Ensure piping systems comply with applicable codes, client specifications, project standards, and good engineering practices.
• Review piping drawings, isometrics, models, material takeoffs, and other deliverables for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and constructability.
• Establish and enforce project-specific piping design standards, drafting practices, and model-management procedures.
• Participate in site visits, field walkdowns, laser scanning activities, and the collection of existing facility information.
• Lead brownfield design efforts involving tie-ins, equipment replacements, piping modifications, and work within operating facilities.
• Coordinate field measurements and validate existing conditions prior to completing design deliverables.
• Support the development of piping material quantities and construction estimates.
• Review vendor drawings and equipment documentation for dimensional and piping-interface requirements.
• Support project managers with scope development, proposals, design schedules, progress reporting, change management, and forecasting.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding design status, technical issues, schedule impacts, and required decisions.

Qualifications
• Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent training in piping design, drafting, engineering technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of relevant piping design experience, including experience leading piping design teams or major work packages and five years of working as a supervisor
• Experience supporting industrial, refining, petrochemical, chemical, energy, or manufacturing facilities is strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience developing piping layouts, equipment arrangements, pipe racks, piping plans, sections, details, and isometric drawings.
• Strong knowledge of piping design principles, plant-layout practices, constructability, maintenance access, and equipment-clearance requirements.
• Experience with brownfield projects, field investigations, tie-ins, and modifications to existing operating facilities.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Plant 3D or similar three-dimensional plant-design software.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Navisworks, point-cloud applications, laser-scan data, and model-review software.
• Ability to interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams, process flow diagrams, line lists, piping specifications, equipment data sheets, vendor drawings,
and stress-analysis recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate designers across multiple project disciplines.
• Strong understanding of interdisciplinary interfaces and model-coordination requirements.
• Ability to identify design risks, resolve technical conflicts, and make sound design decisions with limited supervision.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and client-communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to design quality, safety, and constructability.
• Must be able to visit industrial project sites, climb stairs and ladders, and perform field walkdowns as required

Physical:  While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to:

  • Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods during office work and meetings.
  • Operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
  • Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information in person, electronically, and during virtual or telephone meetings.

Mental:  While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to:

  • Direct, collaborate with, and communicate with executives, clients, and project teams. 
  • Interpret and apply company policies, safety protocols, and written instructions. 
  • Perform mathematical calculations, analyze business data, and review project estimates.
  • Maintain accuracy, productivity, and attention to detail while managing competing priorities in an active office environment with frequent interruptions. 
  • Process, retain, and manage complex project details, contractual requirements, and client data.