LEAD PIPING DESIGNER

Lead Piping Designer

NSC Staffing is seeking an experienced Lead Piping Designer for a Direct Hire opportunity supporting shipbuilding and marine engineering projects in Rhode Island. This leadership role is responsible for directing the design and development of complex marine piping systems, supporting vessel new construction and repair programs, and mentoring junior designers within a collaborative engineering environment. The ideal candidate will bring extensive shipbuilding experience, strong technical expertise in marine piping design, and advanced proficiency with shipbuilding design software.

Position Overview The Lead Piping Designer is responsible for leading the design, development, and review of piping systems for marine vessel construction and repair projects. This position ensures piping arrangements, production drawings, spool drawings, and design packages are accurate, buildable, and compliant with engineering requirements, regulatory standards, and shipyard production methods. This role serves as a key liaison between Engineering, Production, and Project Management teams to ensure successful project execution and production readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of marine piping system designs for vessel construction and repair projects.
• Design and review: piping arrangements, spool drawings, equipment connection details, isometric drawings, production work packages.
• Ensure piping systems are properly routed and coordinated with vessel structures and other shipboard systems.
• Verify designs comply with project requirements and industry standards.

Production Support

• Support shipyard production teams by developing detailed and buildable production drawings.
• Resolve piping design issues encountered during fabrication and installation.
• Coordinate closely with Engineering and Production departments to support project schedules.
• Review field redlines and implement design revisions as required.

Quality Control & Document Review

• Review and validate production packages using redline and back-fix methodologies.
• Perform design checks for accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
• Maintain engineering documentation and revision control.
• Ensure design packages are completed accurately and on schedule.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior designers and drafting personnel.
• Mentor and develop team members in marine piping design best practices.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.
• Assist management with workload planning and project execution strategies.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure design compliance with: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) requirements, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, shipbuilding industry standards, customer specifications.
• Maintain knowledge of evolving marine industry regulations and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Design, Drafting, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Required Experience

• Minimum 10 years of shipbuilding or marine piping design experience.
• Extensive experience developing marine piping layouts and construction drawings.
• Experience reviewing and validating production packages.
• Strong understanding of shipyard production and fabrication processes.
• Proven leadership experience within an engineering or design environment.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency with: AutoCAD, ShipConstructor, Navisworks.
• Strong knowledge of: marine piping systems, shipboard equipment connections, production drawing development, vessel construction practices.
• Proficient with: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook.

Leadership Skills

• Ability to lead and mentor junior designers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Excellent organization and problem-solving abilities.

Work Environment

• Office, production, and shipyard environments.
• Work may be performed aboard vessels, in fabrication facilities, and within engineering offices.
• Fast-paced environment supporting ship construction and repair schedules.
• Frequent interaction with engineers, production personnel, project managers, and customers.

Physical Requirements

• Vision correctable to 20/40.
• Must pass color vision requirements as applicable.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, and climb ladders or stairs.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and access shipboard compartments.
• Ability to work at heights exceeding 50 feet when required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to wear required PPE including: hard hat, safety glasses, respirator, safety harness, steel-toe footwear, gloves and additional safety equipment as required.

Why NSC Staffing? Benefits of Joining NSC Staffing:

• Anticipated Salary Range: $90,000 – $130,000 annually *
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career advancement opportunities
• Professional development and training

The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors and may vary from the posted range. Relocation assistance is not provided. Candidates are responsible for relocation expenses. Company Overview NSC Staffing is a nationwide leader in staffing solutions for the Marine, Industrial, Energy, and Defense sectors. We connect skilled trades professionals, engineers, and technical leaders with rewarding career opportunities while maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and workforce excellence.