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Piping Design Drafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mentors Junior Piping Designers and Drafters, teaching by example and discourse the design craft IV. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * Sr. Piping Designer has ten years of experience in piping design for ...

Piping Design

Angleton, TX · On-site

$95 - $140/hr

Familiarity with and utilizing department design and drafting standards. * Recognizing and ... Producing mechanical and piping installation specifications with engineering review and approval.

Posted today

Sr Designer Piping

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

High School Diploma or Associate Degree with relevant drafting and design coursework. * 12+ years of piping design and layout experience , preferably supporting power generation projects (combined ...

Expertise in industrial piping design and drafting standards, preferably in Process Industrial and/or Life Sciences facilities * Experience designing complex process, utility, and facility piping ...

Expertise in industrial piping design and drafting standards, preferably in Process Industrial and/or Life Sciences facilities * Experience designing complex process, utility, and facility piping ...

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 drafting standards. Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Qualifications • Education:

Work under the direction of a Lead Piping Designer or Department Manager to provide 3D drafting and design services * Develop and modify piping drawings using AutoCAD and Plant 3D based on P&IDs ...

High School Diploma or Associate Degree with relevant drafting and design coursework. * 12+ years of piping design and layout experience , preferably supporting power generation projects (combined ...

High School Diploma or Associate Degree with relevant drafting and design coursework. * 12+ years of piping design and layout experience , preferably supporting power generation projects (combined ...

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Piping Design Drafting information

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$16

$33

$49

How much do piping design drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for piping design drafting in the United States is $33.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $38.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is piping design drafting?

Piping design drafting is the process of creating technical drawings and plans for piping systems used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, water treatment, and power generation. Drafters use specialized software to produce detailed layouts that specify the size, material, and routing of pipes, as well as the placement of valves, fittings, and other components. These drawings are essential for engineers, construction teams, and maintenance crews to ensure that piping systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a piping design drafter?

To thrive as a Piping Design Drafter, you need a strong understanding of engineering drawing principles, piping systems, and industry standards, typically supported by a diploma or degree in drafting or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Plant 3D, or SmartPlant, and familiarity with piping codes and specifications, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are key soft skills that help ensure accuracy and efficiency. These skills and qualities are critical for producing precise, compliant designs that support safe and cost-effective construction projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by piping design drafters when coordinating with other engineering disciplines?

Piping design drafters often work closely with mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers to ensure that piping layouts integrate smoothly with structural supports, equipment, and electrical systems. One common challenge is managing spatial constraints in crowded plant environments, which requires careful routing and frequent revisions. Effective communication and regular coordination meetings are essential to resolve clashes and ensure that all systems are accurately represented in the final design. Additionally, staying up-to-date with changes from other disciplines helps prevent costly rework and project delays.

What is the difference between Piping Design Drafting vs Piping Engineering?

AspectPiping Design DraftingPiping Engineering
CredentialsDrafting certifications, CAD proficiencyEngineering degree, professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labsProject sites, engineering offices
ResponsibilitiesCreating detailed piping drawings, layoutsDesign, analysis, and oversight of piping systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, oil & gas

While Piping Design Drafting focuses on creating detailed piping drawings using CAD tools, Piping Engineering involves designing, analyzing, and ensuring the integrity of piping systems. Drafting is more technical and detail-oriented, whereas engineering includes conceptual design and system analysis.

How to become a piping design drafting?

To become a piping design drafter, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training or an associate degree in drafting, engineering technology, or a related field. Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD or MicroStation, along with knowledge of piping systems and industry standards, is essential. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can also help develop the necessary skills for this role.
More about Piping Design Drafting jobs

What cities are hiring for Piping Design Drafting jobs?

Cities with the most Piping Design Drafting job openings:

Infographic showing various Piping Design Drafting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,694 per year, or $33 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 16 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.