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Piping Drafting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead drafting and design efforts to support both site Operations and Capital Projects across our manufacturing and pilot facilities. One of our clients is seeking a highly skilled Senior Piping ...

Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication, HVAC piping, plumbing systems, and prefabrication processes. * Associate's degree, technical certification, or related drafting/design education preferred.

Mechanical Detailer/Drafter

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication, HVAC piping, plumbing systems, and prefabrication processes. * Associate's degree, technical certification, or related drafting/design education preferred.

Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication, HVAC piping, plumbing systems, and prefabrication processes. * Associate's degree, technical certification, or related drafting/design education preferred.

SmartPlant P&ID Designer

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$49.76 - $87.07/hr

Provide support to process, mechanical, piping, and I&C engineering teams. * Assist with ... Associate Degree in Engineering, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) or Computer-Aided Drafting and ...

Paralegal - Corporate

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the ... Prepares drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review. Compiles ...

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Piping Drafting information

See California salary details

$16

$32

$49

How much do piping drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for piping drafting in California is $32.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $38.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a piping drafting?

To become a piping drafter, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should complete a technical or drafting program focused on piping or mechanical drafting. Proficiency in CAD software, such as AutoCAD or MicroStation, and understanding of piping systems and industry standards are essential for this role.

What is piping drafting?

Piping drafting is the process of creating detailed technical drawings and plans that show the layout, design, and specifications of piping systems used in various industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, and water treatment facilities. These drawings help engineers, fabricators, and construction teams understand how pipes, valves, fittings, and other components are arranged and installed. Piping drafters use specialized software like AutoCAD or Plant 3D to produce accurate and standardized drawings, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry codes. Their work is essential for both new construction projects and maintenance or upgrades of existing systems.

What are some common challenges faced by piping drafters in coordinating with other engineering disciplines?

Piping drafters often work closely with civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and a key challenge is ensuring that piping layouts do not conflict with structural elements or existing utilities. Effective communication and regular coordination meetings are essential to resolve clashes and integrate design changes efficiently. Familiarity with interdisciplinary design software and the ability to interpret various technical drawings can make this process smoother and help avoid costly errors during construction.

What is the difference between Piping Drafting vs Mechanical Drafting?

AspectPiping DraftingMechanical Drafting
CredentialsDrafting certifications, CAD skillsDrafting certifications, CAD skills
Work EnvironmentOil & gas, chemical plants, industrial facilitiesManufacturing, machinery, product design
Industry UsageHeavy industry, piping systemsMechanical systems, equipment design
Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical drafting roles in industrial sectors

While both Piping Drafting and Mechanical Drafting involve CAD skills and drafting certifications, Piping Drafting focuses on designing piping systems in industrial environments like oil and gas plants. Mechanical Drafting covers a broader range of mechanical components and machinery. The key difference lies in the specialization: Piping Drafting is industry-specific to piping systems, whereas Mechanical Drafting encompasses various mechanical designs.

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

To thrive as a Piping Drafter, you need a solid understanding of engineering drawings, piping systems, and drafting principles, usually supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in drafting or engineering technology. Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD Plant 3D or MicroStation, and familiarity with industry codes and standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate, efficient, and safe piping designs that meet project specifications and industry regulations.
Infographic showing various Piping Drafting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,795 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Senior Piping Designer

Acro Service Corp

Alameda, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Description:

Lead drafting and design efforts to support both site Operations and Capital Projects across our manufacturing and pilot facilities. One of our clients is seeking a highly skilled Senior Piping Designer to join our Capital Projects team. In this role, you will be the primary lead for process piping drafting, bridging the gap between operations and new capital infrastructure projects. You are a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable managing complex design documentation for manufacturing, and infrastructure spaces. You will work closely with the Capital Projects and Facilities Operations team to ensure all technical drawings are accurate, standardized, and ready for execution.


Responsibilities And Duties:

  • Lead Drafting Efforts: Serve as the primary point of contact for process piping drafting needs, leading both day-to-day operations and supporting capital projects.
  • Design & Modeling: Create and maintain detailed 3D models and 2D construction drawings using AutoCAD Plant 3D and Revit Fabrication ITMs. Collaboration: Work with internal engineering teams and external partners to conduct design review cycles, ensuring compliance with industrial codes.
  • Site Support: Coordinate with project managers to track equipment installation and ensure "as-built" documentation is updated accurately.
  • Standards Development: Establish and maintain drafting standards and documentation structures for the Design Technology group.


Knowledge And Skill Requirements:

  • Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in drafting and design for industrial or manufacturing environments. Ability to create and update P&ID drawings, Isometrics and 3D models of complex piping systems.
  • Knowledge of Revit Fabrication ITM modeling parts for piping
  • Technical Knowledge: Expert-level knowledge of AutoCAD Plant 3D and P&ID development is required; proficiency in Revit is a significant plus.
  • Project Execution: Demonstrated experience in reviewing technical drawings and specifications for complex facility upgrades.
  • Education: Background in an engineering or technical design discipline.
  • Communication: Proven ability to communicate technical designs effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Location/Travel: Remote (Alameda, CA & Moses Lake, WA) (with a willingness to travel to Moses Lake, WA).