Junior Pipeline & Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary

Sonoran Sales Company is seeking an entry-to-junior level Junior Pipeline & Manufacturing Engineer to support the engineering, design, fabrication detailing, and technical execution of large-diameter fabricated steel water pipe and fittings.

Working under the direct supervision and mentorship of David G. Tantalean, P.E., Principal Engineer, this position will serve as a technical bridge between engineering design and practical shop-floor manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has strong engineering fundamentals, excellent attention to detail, an interest in heavy infrastructure and manufacturing, and a desire to develop expertise in large-diameter steel water transmission systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking hands-on technical experience and professional development under the guidance of an experienced Professional Engineer.

Primary Responsibilities

Engineering Analysis & Design Support

• Perform preliminary engineering calculations under P.E. supervision for pipe wall thickness, internal design pressure, external loading, deflection, thrust restraint, and related design considerations.
• Assist with the engineering and evaluation of large-diameter steel pipe, fittings, elbows, reducers, tees, manifolds, flanges, joints, and other fabricated components.
• Review project plans, specifications, municipal or water district requirements, and contract documents — including the scope of work (SOW) and any exceptions taken — to help confirm what falls within our scope of supply.
• Assist in applying applicable AWWA, ASTM, and ASME standards, and project-specific requirements.
• Identify potential design conflicts, dimensional issues, or constructability concerns and bring them to the Principal Engineer for review.
• Support the development of practical engineering solutions for fabrication and field installation.

Drafting, Detailing & Fabrication Support

• Work with drafting and detailing personnel to translate engineering and contract drawings into accurate, shop-ready fabrication (spool) drawings.
• Review dimensions, materials, fittings, tolerances, and fabrication details for accuracy.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing layout drawings, pipe laying schedules, bills of material (BOM), and other fabrication documentation.
• Coordinate with the fabrication team regarding dimensions, fit-up, materials, and welding details.
• Assist with technical questions from shop supervisors, welders, and production personnel.
• Develop an understanding of Sonoran's manufacturing processes and incorporate practical fabrication considerations into engineering work.

Project Documentation & Coordination

• Assist with preparation of the engineering submittal package — design calculations, layout and spool drawings, bill of materials, QC submittal, welding procedures, and welder certifications — and help maintain the project submittal log.
• Support the internal completeness check before a package is transmitted, helping confirm the BOM matches the spool drawings and documentation is in order.
• Draft Requests for Information (RFIs) for review by the Principal Engineer when project documents contain conflicts, omissions, or unclear requirements.
• Maintain engineering project files, drawing revisions, calculation records, submittals, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with Project Managers to understand project requirements, schedules, technical constraints, and material needs.
• Participate in project meetings and communicate technical information to Engineering, Project Management, Production, Quality, and Field Operations.

Quality & Field Support

• Assist with shop quality reviews to verify fabricated components conform to approved drawings and project requirements.
• Support review of material certifications, Material Test Reports (MTRs), coatings, linings, and other project documentation.
• Assist in resolving dimensional, fit-up, or constructability questions identified during fabrication or installation.
• Participate in field or shop inspections as needed under the direction of the Principal Engineer.
• Document technical issues and proposed solutions for engineering review and approval.

Requirements:

 

Technical Knowledge & Competencies

The ideal candidate will have foundational knowledge in:

• Statics and mechanics of materials
• Fluid mechanics and hydraulics
• Structural analysis
• Pressure piping fundamentals
• Engineering materials
• Steel design and fabrication principles
• Engineering calculations and technical documentation
• AutoCAD and engineering drawings
• Microsoft Excel for engineering calculations

Familiarity with AWWA C200, AWWA C208, AWWA M11, ASTM standards, steel water pipe, or water/wastewater infrastructure is highly desirable but can also be developed through mentorship and experience at Sonoran.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline required.
• 0–3 years of professional engineering experience.
• Recent engineering graduates with relevant internships, projects, or coursework are encouraged to apply.
• Internship, academic, or professional exposure to heavy civil construction, water infrastructure, steel fabrication, manufacturing, pressure piping, or water/wastewater systems is preferred.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam completion / Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation strongly preferred.
• AutoCAD proficiency preferred.
• Experience with Civil 3D, Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar engineering/design software is a plus.

Professional Development

This position is intended to provide an early-career engineer with meaningful technical development and increasing responsibility.

Under the mentorship of Sonoran's Principal Engineer, the Junior Pipeline & Manufacturing Engineer will have the opportunity to develop expertise in large-diameter steel water pipe design, fabrication, manufacturing, project execution, and field applications.

As technical competency and experience grow, the employee may take on increasingly complex engineering assignments and work toward professional engineering licensure and greater engineering responsibility.

Key Attributes for Success

We are looking for someone who is curious, technically capable, highly detail-oriented, and eager to learn.

The successful candidate should be comfortable asking questions, receiving technical feedback, working both at a computer and alongside manufacturing personnel, and understanding that a successful engineering solution must work on the drawing, in the shop, and in the field.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who wants to develop into a strong engineer — not someone we're expecting to already know everything on Day 1.