Piping, Lead Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Company Name: Kahuna USA, LLC (Kahuna)

Title of position: Lead Designer

Position type: Full Time

Pay range: $42–$65 Hourly

Location: Westminster, Colorado

About Kahuna USA

Kahuna is an energy-focused organization, driven by growth, project execution, and long-term relationships. We offer a fast-paced, collaborative, and rewarding work environment rooted in our core values: Integrity, Relationships, Innovation, Safety, and Empowerment . We are committed to creating a workplace that employees are proud to be part of — and one they can build a long and fulfilling career with.

About the Role

The Lead Designer role is a senior-level position responsible for leading piping design efforts on large-scale projects, including cryogenic gas processing, amine treating, refrigeration, condensate stabilization, and oil treating facilities. In this role, you will oversee the development and execution of complex 3D piping designs, ensuring alignment with project objectives and technical requirements.

You will operate with a high level of autonomy while coordinating closely with multi-discipline engineering leads to manage design efforts across concurrent projects. This role carries responsibility for ensuring that all drawings and deliverables meet company standards, project schedules, and budget expectations.

As a leader within the design team, you will mentor and develop designers at all levels, provide technical guidance, and perform quality checks and back-checks to ensure accuracy and consistency. You will play a critical role in driving successful project outcomes while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environmen

What You’ll Do

• Exceptional P&ID and piping annotation skills; able to pick up redlines following Kahuna standards, spot errors, back-check other’s work with no instruction from supervisor, engineer, or lead. Can develop P&IDs from walkdowns independently.
• Expert with advanced 3D modeling using CADWorx Plant® without any guidance; able to attend team model reviews and develop pre-built tools and templates independently.
• Lead larger facilities; ability to pipe any size and scope of facility. Strong grasp of load rack with pipe rack loading; consistent delivery of clean, efficient piping routing.
• Lead site plan layout for larger facilities.
• Independently lead piping of large-scale projects or multiple small projects while mentoring lower-level designers and coordinating with designers and engineers.
• Lead development of group standards and practices; proactively lead evolution of team designs and pre-developed tools/templates. Basic knowledge of V-Lisp and CUI recommended; development of new tools to improve team efficiency is a plus.
• Works directly with engineer; receives broad (high-level) direction from supervisor. Manages coordination with other design teams to ensure continuous flow of information concerning other engineering disciplines affecting project design execution.
• Demonstrate full understanding of the workflow from beginning to end of a project. Provides technical and administrative support to the discipline design group, reviews their progress, and evaluates their work.
• Possess broad understanding of process theory as it relates to the piping and mechanical design of industrial facilities.
• Consistently communicate strong ability to functionally communicate technical and administrative project/task details, including correspondence via emails and general documentation.
• Consistently meeting deadlines, able to juggle multiple large projects with conflicting deadlines, identifying potential delays and proactively mitigate them. Commitment to putting in the time required to complete assigned tasks to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate professional behavior and be able to coach and mentor all levels of designers. Stay engaged and lead by example.
• Possess extensive knowledge of industry piping design codes and standards (ASME B31.3, B31.1, B16 series), material specifications, and their practical applications in real-world projects.
• Demonstrate proven experience with detailed field walkdowns, redlines, as-built drawings, and on-site coordination to support construction accuracy and design integrity.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills to guide design teams and interface with project managers, engineers, and clients.
• Estimate and track schedules, manage budgets, and assign work to meet project deadlines. Monitor and report on project progress.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• 6–15 years of progressive relevant design experience or equivalent; 8 years minimum in a lead role.
• Expert-level CADWorx Plant® proficiency required, independent 3D model building, spec editing, ISOGEN setup, and clash review.
• Advanced mastery and expert knowledge of available Navisworks® tools; able to perform a presentation with a client using Freedom, Manage, and Simulate without any guidance.
• Advanced mastery and expert of AutoCAD®; understands, can edit and use LISP routines, tools, plotting settings, and CUI; creates new tools to be more efficient; can troubleshoot computer issues and provide technical assistance to others. V-Lisp tool development a plus.
• Proficient in 3D modeling and software tools including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD®, CADWorx P&ID®, CADWorx Plant®, Bluebeam Revu®, Navisworks®, and other relevant company platforms.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and dependable; able to work independently while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team.
• Capable of interpreting engineering specifications and applying relevant codes, standards, and material knowledge to practical design solutions.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and lead the work of junior designers and drafters.
• Coursework in drafting/CAD, community college studies, or supervisory/managerial training is a plus.
• Laser scanning and point cloud drafting capabilities a plus.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Kahuna offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) participation
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Paid Time Off and company holidays
• Access to onsite fitness facilities
• Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and professional development

Learn more about our culture, history, and the exciting work we do at

Next Steps

To apply, please provide a copy of your resume and cover letter and apply directly through our website at Kahuna is a DOT-regulated company; therefore, this position will require that the candidate pass an initial drug screen and background check upon hire. Must be eligible to work in the United States as this job is ineligible for sponsorship.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Kahuna is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.