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Principal Piping Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Worley

Principal Piping Designer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Purpose We're seeking an experienced Principal Piping Designer to join our Baton Rouge team, supporting projects across refining, chemicals, and energy transition sectors. This is a key leadership ...

Zachry Group

Principal Designer Piping

Houston, TX · On-site

The Principal Piping Designer will be responsible in the design office for Lead engineering and design tasks of the assigned projects based on specific and detailed instructions received from the ...

Fluor

Nuclear Principal Piping Designer

Houston, TX

Fluor is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote employee health, wellness, and financial security. Our offerings include medical, dental and vision plans, EAP, disability ...

MHI

Principal Engineer, Piping

Lake Mary, FL · On-site

Principal Piping Engineer Company Overview At Mitsubishi Power, we're not just building better ... Ensure piping designs comply with ASME B31.1/B31.3 and project requirements. * Address technical ...

Fluor

Nuclear Principal Piping Designer 1

Houston, TX · On-site

Fluor is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote employee health, wellness, and financial security. Our offerings include medical, dental and vision plans, EAP, disability ...

Zachry Group

Principal Designer Piping

Downers Grove, IL

$148K - $211K/yr

Zachry Group is currently accepting applications for a Principal Designer for our Downers Grove ... Strong Piping Design skills in accordance with several Industry standards and codes (API, ASME, PIP ...

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Principal Piping Designer information

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How much do principal piping designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal 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 is the highest paid design job?

Among design roles, senior engineering or architectural positions such as Principal Piping Designer or Lead Mechanical Engineer tend to have the highest salaries, especially with extensive experience and specialized skills in CAD software and project management. High-level design jobs in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or power generation often offer top compensation packages for experienced professionals.

How much do senior piping designers make?

Senior piping designers typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often possess advanced knowledge of piping systems, CAD software, and relevant codes, which can influence salary levels.

What are some common challenges a Principal Piping Designer might face when leading multidisciplinary projects?

As a Principal Piping Designer, you may encounter challenges such as coordinating designs across various engineering disciplines, ensuring compliance with industry codes, and managing tight project timelines. Effective communication with structural, mechanical, and process teams is essential to resolve clashes and integrate piping layouts smoothly. Additionally, you’ll need to supervise and mentor junior designers, review deliverables, and adapt to evolving project requirements, all while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Piping Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Piping Designer, you need deep expertise in piping design, engineering principles, and industry codes, typically supported by an engineering degree or relevant technical certification. Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD Plant 3D, SmartPlant, and PDMS, as well as familiarity with project management systems, is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills set top professionals apart in managing teams and coordinating multidisciplinary projects. These abilities are crucial for delivering complex piping systems that meet safety, quality, and project requirements within tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Principal Piping Designer vs Piping Designer?

AspectPrincipal Piping DesignerPiping Designer
CredentialsTypically requires 10+ years of experience, technical certifications, and advanced CAD skillsUsually requires 3-7 years of experience and basic CAD proficiency
Work EnvironmentSenior-level projects, overseeing design teams, and complex piping systemsDesigning piping layouts, drafting, and supporting project teams
Industry UsageUsed in large engineering firms, oil & gas, petrochemical, and industrial plantsCommon in engineering firms, construction, and manufacturing sectors

The Principal Piping Designer holds a senior role with greater responsibilities, overseeing complex projects and leading design teams. In contrast, the Piping Designer focuses on executing design tasks and drafting. Both roles require piping design expertise, but the Principal Piping Designer operates at a higher level of project management and technical oversight.

What are Principal Piping Designers?

Principal Piping Designers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the design and layout of piping systems in industrial and commercial projects, such as oil & gas facilities, chemical plants, and power stations. They lead teams of designers and drafters, ensuring that all piping designs meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Their role involves coordinating with engineers, reviewing specifications, resolving design challenges, and often mentoring junior staff. Principal Piping Designers play a vital part in ensuring that projects are completed efficiently, safely, and within budget.

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 generation. It offers opportunities for steady employment, technical skill development, and the use of design software like AutoCAD and PDMS. Career growth depends on experience, certifications, and industry demand.

What is the salary of SP3D engineer?

The salary of an SP3D engineer, a specialized piping design role using 3D modeling software, typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or highly experienced engineers with certifications may earn higher salaries, especially in oil and gas or engineering consulting environments.
More about Principal Piping Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Piping Designer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Piping Designer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Piping Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Piping Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Piping Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Piping Designer jobs are:
Principal Piping Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Piping Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,379 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Principal Piping Designer

Principal Piping Designer

Worley

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Worley rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 442 rated engineering

Job description

About us
Worley is a global company of energy, chemicals and resources experts headquartered in Australia. We partner with our customers to deliver projects and create value across the life of their assets. We specialize in consulting, engineering, procurement and construction across the project lifecycle, with services extending through to operations and decommissioning. Leveraging extensive experience and AI-enabled delivery, we support customers in navigating complexity as they meet today's needs and transition to more sustainable solutions.
Purpose
We're seeking an experienced Principal Piping Designer to join our Baton Rouge team, supporting projects across refining, chemicals, and energy transition sectors. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality piping designs and supporting complex brownfield and greenfield projects along the Gulf Coast.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead piping design activities across all project phases (FEL through detailed design and execution).
  • Develop 3D models, piping layouts, and isometrics using SP3D, E3D, or similar tools.
  • Coordinate closely with process, mechanical, civil/structural, and stress teams.
  • Conduct field walkdowns, support tie-ins, and ensure constructability for brownfield projects.
  • Mentor junior designers and provide technical leadership.
  • Participate in model reviews, design reviews, and client interactions.
  • Support construction, commissioning, and site issue resolution.

What you will bring
Technical/Industry Experience and Qualifications Requirements:
  • 10+ years of piping design experience in refining, petrochemical, or chemical facilities.
  • Strong expertise with SmartPlant 3D (SP3D), AVEVA E3D, or similar 3D modeling platforms.
  • Solid understanding of ASME B31.3 and industry standards.
  • Experience with brownfield modifications and site-based design.
  • Proven ability to lead or guide piping design teams.

Additional Information:
  • Work on high-impact Gulf Coast projects.
  • Opportunity to lead and mentor within a growing team.
  • Exposure to both traditional energy and emerging energy transition projects.
  • Collaborative, safety-focused culture.
  • Based in Baton Rouge, LA, with regular site interface at local client facilities.

Education - Qualifications, Accreditation, Training:
Required:
  • Technical Diploma Required.

Preferred:
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work across disciplines.

Moving forward together
We want our people to be energized and empowered to drive sustainable impact. So, our focus is on a values-inspired culture that unlocks brilliance through belonging, connection and innovation. We're building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. Creating a space where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, and are heard.
And we're not just talking about it; we're doing it. We're reskilling our people, leveraging transferable skills, and supporting the transition of our workforce to become experts in today's low carbon energy infrastructure and technology. Whatever your ambition, there's a path for you here.
And there's no barrier to your potential career success. Join us to broaden your horizons, explore diverse opportunities, and be part of delivering sustainable change.

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