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Piping Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Baker Group

Mechanical Designer - Industrial

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Create preliminary 3D models using AutoCAD to show equipment, piping, and specialties for review by ... Coordinate with designers of other trades/business units MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO ...

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Piping Designer information

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$22

$48

$68

How much do piping designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for piping designer in Iowa is $48.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.76 and $57.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a piping designer?

A Piping Designer is a professional who creates detailed drawings and layouts for piping systems used in various industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, and power plants. They are responsible for designing the route of pipes, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring the system adheres to safety and engineering standards. Piping Designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to plan and model complex piping arrangements, taking into account factors such as pressure, flow, and temperature. Their work is essential for ensuring the efficient and safe transportation of fluids and gases within industrial facilities.

What does a piping designer do?

Piping designers draft plans and drawings for the construction, operation, and layout of piping systems. These systems are responsible for moving utility resources, such as water, sewage, petroleum, and natural gas. It’s the piping designer’s responsibility to map out a system that makes sense and runs efficiently.

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 skills in technical drawing, piping design principles, and a background in engineering or drafting, often supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD Plant 3D, PDMS, or SmartPlant, as well as familiarity with piping codes and standards, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient piping layouts that meet safety, regulatory, and project requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by piping designers when working on large-scale industrial projects?

Piping Designers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple engineering disciplines, managing frequent design revisions, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. On large-scale projects, maintaining clear communication with process engineers, structural teams, and construction personnel is crucial to avoid clashes and delays. Additionally, handling tight deadlines and adapting to evolving project requirements can require strong organizational skills and flexibility. Being proactive and detail-oriented helps Piping Designers navigate these complexities successfully.

What is the difference between Piping Designer vs Piping Engineer?

AspectPiping DesignerPiping Engineer
CredentialsTechnical diploma or associate degree, CAD certificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD workstations, project sitesDesign offices, project sites, overseeing piping systems
ResponsibilitiesCreating piping layouts, drafting, 3D modelingDesigning piping systems, calculations, ensuring code compliance

While both roles involve piping systems, Piping Designers focus on drafting and modeling, whereas Piping Engineers handle design calculations and system integrity. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Piping Designer jobs

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

The most popular types of Piping Designer jobs in Iowa are:

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For Piping Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Piping Designer jobs in Iowa are:

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Piping Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Piping Designer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,857 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Sr Piping Designer

Green Plains, Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Green Plains rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Piping Design and Drafting
    • Develop detailed 2D and 3D piping designs and layouts for industrial facilities such as oil and gas plants, refineries, power stations, and manufacturing facilities.
    • Interpret project requirements, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and client specifications to create efficient piping system designs.
    • Prepare piping general arrangement drawings, isometric drawings, and fabrication drawings.
    • Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and best practices, including ASME, ANSI, API, and ISO.
    • Optimize piping layouts for operational accessibility, safety, and constructability.
  • Checking and Quality Assurance
    • Perform thorough checks and reviews of piping drawings, isometrics, and material take-offs for technical accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
    • Validate the correctness of dimensions, material specifications, and system configurations.
    • Identify design discrepancies, clashes, or potential issues, and recommend corrective actions.
    • Ensure all piping deliverables align with client requirements and project scopes.
  • Collaboration and Coordination
    • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, process, civil, and electrical engineers, to ensure cohesive designs.
    • Coordinate with other designers and external stakeholders to resolve interface and spatial challenges.
    • Participate in design reviews and provide input to improve system functionality and design efficiency.
    • Support the construction team by addressing design-related queries and providing field modifications if necessary.
  • Leadership and Mentorship
    • Lead and mentor junior piping designers and drafters, ensuring adherence to project schedules and quality standards.
    • Promote the use of standard templates, procedures, and tools to enhance team productivity.
    • Share technical expertise and provide guidance on complex design challenges.
  • Technical Expertise and Documentation
    • Ensure compliance with local and international piping codes and standards (e.g., ASME B31.3, B31.4, API 570).
    • Prepare detailed technical documentation, including reports, design philosophies, and construction support packages.
    • Stay updated on new industry trends, technologies, and software tools.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree preferred.
  • Sound knowledge of CAD design and drafting techniques, engineering drawing, graphic arts, reading of drawings and reproduction methods used by the discipline.
  • Minimum experience of 8-10+ years' experience in piping design in Plant 3D.
  • Familiarity with relevant Engineering Department Procedures, design standards and guides.
  • Skill in reading, interpreting, and using related documents and drawings prepared by other project groups.
  • Knowledge of the application of engineering and construction materials related to the discipline's design responsibilities.
  • Basic knowledge of industry and regulatory standards, design criteria, and codes relevant to the discipline.
  • Knowledge of mathematical formulae and design calculations used in the discipline.
  • General knowledge of technical responsibilities of other groups associated with the total design effort.
  • Skill in leading the technical work of less experienced designers and/or drafters who share in the design effort.
  • Experience with equipment design, layout, and installation of systems is required.
  • Site engineering and construction experience preferred.
  • MS Office suite skills required.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effectively communicate with all levels of organization staff.
  • Valid driver's license required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to physically move about in an Industrial Plant and be able to climb ladders, stairs, and access tight places.
  • Occasional travel to project site is required.
  • Must be able to take field measurements with a tape measure and other electronic measuring devices.

Fluid Quip Technologies:
Fluid Quip Technologies® (Fluid Quip) provides custom technologies and engineering services to the biofuel and biochemical industries worldwide. Fluid Quip has commercialized multiple technologies to enhance the base corn-to-ethanol dry grind process, create new and novel alternative feed products, and supply the growing need for carbohydrate feedstocks into the biochemical market. Green Plains Inc., Ospraie Management, and funds and accounts managed by BlackRock hold a majority interest in Fluid Quip.
As part of the investment by Green Plains Inc., all benefits are administered by Green Plains Inc.: a generous benefit package including competitive pay, business casual work environment, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO) and a 401(k) retirement plan with immediate vesting and company safe harbor matching. All potential employees will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check administered by Green Plains, Inc. prior to employment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.
Green Plains does not provide immigration-related employment sponsorship for new hires (for example, H-1B, F-1 OPT, TN, or other work visas). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and be able to maintain ongoing work authorization without employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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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