What does a piping designer do?

A Piping Designer supervises and designs the construction of marine crafts and floating structures. They utilize computerized drafting systems, such as computer-aided drafting (CAD).
Piping designer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real piping designer resumes:
- Communicate ownership responsibilities across department platforms to achieve 3D modeling of HVAC, steel & other equipment for project success.
- Manage documentation of existing projects, perform ECN resolutions.
- Develop detailed 2-D engineering drawings using AutoCad, PDMS,77494 and NavisWorks.
- Create piping and instrumentation diagrams using AutoCAD.
- General knowledge and use of NavisWorks program.
- Used PDS to design and fix model.
- Used API codes to qualify process equipment.
- Work as the piping discipline sub-lead and piping checker.
- Field sketch and design various maintenance and capital piping projects.
- Route gas piping using carbon and stainless specs with CADWORX.
- Light crude, potable water, condensate, and casing gas.
- Task with the role of drawing checker for the mechanical group.
- Create 3D Solidworks models of pipe installations, support and skids.
- Check and design steam piping systems utilizing PDS piping and equipment modeling.
- Direct cad operators on new steam piping layout and installation of meters.
Piping designer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Piping Designers are proficient in Autocad, P Id, and Equipment Layout. They’re also known for soft skills such as Listening skills, Mechanical skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Piping Designers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Autocad, 20%
Work consisted of development of isometric piping drawings from orthographic plans and elevations using AutoCad R13 and Pro-Pipe/Pro-Iso software.
- P Id, 8%
Designed and implemented equipment on tissue and towel converting machines to help identity faults and prevent down time.
- Equipment Layout, 8%
Designed piping, equipment layout, and instrumentation associated with chemical processes including environmental, transportation, process and utility modifications.
- IDS, 6%
Prepared piping plans, sections, P & IDs, isometrics, plot plans and equipment location plans per company standards.
- Refinery, 4%
Design Supervisor/Specialist Piping - Responsible for Petrochemical refinery, unit equipment plot, and Power plant plot development.
- Isometric Drawings, 4%
Designed pipe supports and equipment nozzle orientation arrangements, checked isometric drawings for BP Exportation Project for Standard Alaska Production Company.
"autocad," "p id," and "equipment layout" are among the most common skills that piping designers use at work. You can find even more piping designer responsibilities below, including:
Listening skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a piping designer to have is listening skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." Piping designers often use listening skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "communicated ownership responsibilities across department platforms to achieve 3d modeling of hvac, steel & other equipment for project success. "
Mechanical skills. Another essential skill to perform piping designer duties is mechanical skills. Piping designers responsibilities require that "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Piping designers also use mechanical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "utilized autocad release 14 to design mechanical/ electrical drawing for piping and monorail system. "
Problem-solving skills. piping designers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to piping designer responsibilities, because "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." A piping designer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "resolved interference's, pipe supports, re-routed all necessary pipes for dcn and field changes. "
Math skills. For certain piping designer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "math skills." The day-to-day duties of a piping designer rely on this skill, as "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what piping designers do: "perform analytical, logical, and mathematical calculations related to the manufacturing of pressure vessels. "
Creativity. Another common skill required for piping designer responsibilities is "creativity." This skill comes up in the duties of piping designers all the time, as "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." An excerpt from a real piping designer resume shows how this skill is central to what a piping designer does: "designed, 3d-modeled and stress analysis of skids-mounted packages by using of inventor software. "
The three companies that hire the most piping designers are:
- CDI10 piping designers jobs
- Burns & McDonnell8 piping designers jobs
- Affiliated Engineers8 piping designers jobs
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Piping designer vs. Senior project engineer
A senior project engineer is responsible for monitoring the project team's overall process and operations from conceptualization until completion, ensuring the adherence to the clients' specifications, within the budget's goals, and the required deadline. Senior project engineers regularly communicate with the client regarding updates or necessary adjustments. They develop strategic procedures to finish the project efficiently by running diagnostic tests and troubleshooting discrepancies. A senior project engineer must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the team's performance and provide assistance when necessary.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, piping designer responsibilities require skills like "autocad," "equipment layout," "refinery," and "isometric drawings." Meanwhile a typical senior project engineer has skills in areas such as "project management," "construction management," "cad," and "ul." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Senior project engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $104,214. On the other hand, piping designers are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $95,592.senior project engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than piping designers. In fact, senior project engineers are 10.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Piping designer vs. Mechanical engineering internship
One of the primary responsibilities in a mechanical engineering internship is to follow directives from engineers and managers while gaining practical experience. There are instances when an intern must take part in crafting various materials under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, produce reports and paperwork, operate tools and devices, and provide assistance should anyone need. Furthermore, it is essential to report to managers and supervisors if any issues arise.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, piping designer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "autocad," "equipment layout," "refinery," and "isometric drawings." Meanwhile, a mechanical engineering internship has duties that require skills in areas such as "solidworks," "powerpoint," "mechanical design," and "mechanical systems." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Mechanical engineering interns may earn a lower salary than piping designers, but mechanical engineering interns earn the most pay in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $44,983. On the other hand, piping designers receive higher pay in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $95,592.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Mechanical engineering interns tend to reach higher levels of education than piping designers. In fact, they're 6.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Piping designer vs. Mechanical engineer
Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a piping designer is likely to be skilled in "autocad," "equipment layout," "refinery," and "isometric drawings," while a typical mechanical engineer is skilled in "cad," "solidworks," "mechanical systems," and "mechanical design."
Mechanical engineers earn the best pay in the energy industry, where they command an average salary of $84,748. Piping designers earn the highest pay from the professional industry, with an average salary of $95,592.mechanical engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to piping designers. Specifically, they're 8.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Piping designer vs. Lead engineer
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Types of piping designer
Updated January 8, 2025











