Piping Designer

JOIN THE BEST PLACE TO WORK DESIGN TEAM IN HOUSTON, TEXAS Job Summary: As part of Orion's Engineering Services Department, the Senior Piping Designer is responsible for leading, designing, and delivering piping systems for medium to large-scale industrial projects while serving as the primary design checking authority for the piping discipline. This role operates with a high degree of independence and requires expert-level technical proficiency, formal checker experience, and the ability to direct and quality-control the work of other designers. The Senior Piping Designer may serve as Discipline Design Lead (DDL) or Project Design Lead (PDL) as assigned with experience in upstream O&G and desalination process. Essential Functions Lead piping design efforts on medium to large-scale industrial projects, including brownfield modifications and greenfield installations, from concept through construction support. Independently create and manage complex piping deliverables, including equipment layouts, piping plan drawings, isometric drawings, MTO packages, line lists, and tie-in lists. Serve as the formal Piping Design Checker for the department, performing comprehensive technical checks of piping layouts, isometric drawings, equipment layouts, pipe support drawings, and MTO packages prior to client issuance. Review all checked deliverables against applicable project specifications, client standards, and industry codes (e.g., ASME B31.3, API, ANSI). Check isometric drawings and 3D models for dimensional accuracy, bill of material correctness, P&ID compliance, constructability, operational safety, and clash-free routing. Issue and track check prints; ensure all marked comments are resolved and closed before final issuance. Optimize piping routes and layouts based on project constraints while ensuring efficiency, constructability, and safety. Conduct field surveys to gather data for design updates and resolve issues during construction phases. Review designs for compliance with industry codes, standards (e.g., ASME B31.3), and client requirements. Perform calculations to support design drawings as required. Take ownership of assigned tasks, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timely delivery. Ensure proper use and application of CAD borders and drafting standards (both Orion and client-specific). Utilize 3D modeling tools to support project deliverables (e.g., Navisworks, CADWorx, AutoCAD Plant 3D, SmartPlant 3D). Provide day-to-day technical direction, guidance, and mentorship to piping designers and drafters. May assist the department manager in evaluating staffing requirements and planning project workflows. Coordinate with other disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, structural, process engineering, civil) to ensure design integration and resolve interdisciplinary issues. Lead or participate in constructability reviews, HAZOPs, interdisciplinary model reviews, and other technical reviews. Manage client liaison on design-related matters and represent Orion's design standards in client and vendor meetings. Assist with vendor document review for piping specialty items to ensure compliance with project specifications. Support material take-offs (MTOs) and other deliverables required for procurement or construction phases. Utilize point cloud software or laser scanning technology as needed to support design accuracy and field verification. Contribute to the development and maintenance of Orion CAD standards, design templates, and departmental best practices. Act as Discipline Design Lead (DDL) or Project Design Lead (PDL) as assigned. Perform other related duties as assigned. Management/Supervisory Responsibility: This position carries technical supervisory authority over Piping Designers and Drafters assigned to the same project. When acting as Discipline Design Lead (DDL), the Senior Piping Designer (Checker) is responsible for directing, reviewing, and approving the work product of all discipline designers on the project. Work Environment Normal business office environment with moderate noise. The position typically performs tasks within the assigned office facility but will require site visits to customer facilities. Occasionally, will visit or may be temporarily assigned to work in an operating plant or at a construction site. This may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, work near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals, and airborne particles. For site visits, safety glasses and other safety equipment are required depending on the task. Orion will provide all personnel with standard safety equipment. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Occasionally, will conduct or participate in a field trip to an operating plant or construction site. This requires normal hearing, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance, clear close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboard. Must be able to bend, stoop, and climb on a ladder or up and down stairs. Must be able to drive a company vehicle to and from job sites or office locations. Must be able to attend job walks wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in an operating facility in a hot climate. Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. Ability to Travel: Site visits may be required with little or no notice. Must be willing to travel overnight and work out of town as required. Travel may be required between office locations. Position Working Hours and Schedule: Employee work schedules are determined by the needs of the department and/or production. Core working hours are established to ensure that all necessary functions are covered efficiently. While these core hours are fixed, there may be some flexibility in start and end times to accommodate individual needs, provided that departmental requirements are met. Skills & Qualifications: Expert-level proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD Plant 3D, SmartPlant 3D, CADWorx 3D, and Navisworks Viewer. Practical site experience In-depth knowledge of piping codes, standards, and recommended practices including ASME B31.3, ASME B31.1, API, ANSI, and ASTM. Demonstrated experience performing formal design checks of piping layouts, isometrics, equipment layouts, and MTOs against P&IDs and applicable specifications. Strong working knowledge of constructability principles, safety-in-design, and operational access/maintenance requirements. Basic familiarity with pipe stress analysis concepts and ability to collaborate with stress engineers on support and flexibility requirements. Experience with point cloud software or laser scanning technology (e.g., Autodesk ReCap, Leica SCENE). Experience managing discipline scope, schedule, and budget for assigned projects or work packages. Ability to lead interdisciplinary coordination meetings and communicate complex technical information clearly. Experience with vendor coordination and material take-offs (MTOs). Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong written and oral communication skills for both internal teams and external stakeholders. Teamwork, flexibility, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions. Organized, goal-driven, self-motivated, with attention to detail. Ability to read and understand policies, procedures, and processes. Commitment to high-quality requirements. Valid driver's license with a suitable driving record meeting company requirements. Ability to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), if necessary. Must pass background checks as well as drug and alcohol tests (including random testing). Associate degree or bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Drafting Technology, or a related field is required. Equivalent work experience in the EPC industrial sector, combined with demonstrated checker-level expertise, may be considered in lieu of formal education. 10+ years of progressive experience in piping design within the EPC industrial sector is required, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior, lead, or checker capacity. Candidates must have documented experience formally checking piping design deliverables (layouts, isometrics, MTOs) against P&IDs and applicable codes. Exerience on refining, petrochemical, chemical, or power generation projects is highly desirable. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. ORION is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment background checks and substance abuse testing. We participate in the E-Verify Federal Identification System.