At least 15 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
71% STARs in role.
The Lead Piping Designer provides technical and project leadership for a multidisciplinary design team, delivering advanced piping design and CAD drafting support for heavy industrial facilities, with a strong focus on midstream oil and gas and similar process industries. This role leads piping layout and design from P&IDs through 3D modeling and construction documents, ensuring accurate, efficient, and coordinated designs across multiple disciplines while upholding high drafting standards and best engineering practices.
Responsibilities- Provide project leadership for piping design activities and take ownership of assigned projects from concept through construction documentation.
- Lead and guide designers and drafters on piping layout and design to ensure that drawing sets meet project and client requirements.
- Use AutoCAD Plant 3D, CADWorx, Navisworks, Revit, and BIM tools to develop, review, and coordinate piping models and drawings.
- Check the design and drafting of P&IDs for proper process flow, accuracy, and adherence to drafting and CAD standards.
- Redline, update, and generate new P&IDs and flow diagrams, including developing P&IDs from scratch where none exist.
- Lay out P&IDs and ensure that process information is clearly and correctly represented.
- Perform site visits and walkdowns to verify existing conditions, develop as-built drawings, and update P&IDs and piping models accordingly.
- Create 3D equipment models using Plant 3D and CADWorx based on equipment arrangements and general arrangement (GA) drawings.
- Develop complex 3D piping models from P&IDs, GA drawings, piping specifications, and equipment layouts, and route piping systems in 3D.
- Produce detailed piping drawings, including plans, sections, and isometric drawings (Isogen), suitable for fabrication and construction.
- Generate and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and other construction documents for piping systems.
- Review and check project documents, piping layouts, orthographic drawings, and isometrics for scope, presentation, and technical accuracy prior to issue.
- Check piping models and drawings against other disciplines, such as structural, mechanical, and electrical, to ensure proper coordination and clash avoidance.
- Apply piping specifications, industry codes, and good engineering and design practices, particularly for oil and gas and other heavy industrial applications.
- Maintain strong drafting standards and AutoCAD proficiency, ensuring consistency and quality across all deliverables.
- Develop hand isometric sketches in the field and translate them into accurate isometric drawings and 3D models.
- Coordinate multi-discipline model referencing and x-referencing, ensuring that design changes are properly updated and reflected in all related drawings and models.
- Interact closely with project managers, engineers, and other discipline leads to resolve design issues and maintain alignment on project objectives.
- Lead project design efforts proactively, driving decisions and progress rather than waiting for direction, while collaborating effectively with the broader team.
- Support the preparation of construction documents and ensure all deliverables comply with applicable codes, standards, and client expectations.
- Communicate clearly with team members and stakeholders, providing updates, clarifications, and technical input as needed.
- 10–15 years of piping design experience in oil and gas or comparable heavy industrial facilities (candidates with approximately 5–8 years or more than 15 years of relevant experience may also be considered).
- Strong proficiency with AutoCAD Plant 3D or Revit for piping design and 3D modeling.
- Hands-on experience developing and checking P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and plant/facility drawings.
- Demonstrated experience with 3D piping modeling, including routing piping systems from P&IDs and equipment arrangements.
- Solid understanding of mechanical, structural, electrical, and overall plant design, including how piping interacts with other disciplines and structural supports.
- Experience coordinating multi-discipline models and managing model references and x-references within drawings.
- Ability to independently conceptualize and draw design details with minimal instruction.
- Experience with water, steam, condensate, and gas piping systems in industrial environments.
- Working knowledge of ANSI/ASME/ASTM piping codes, including B31.3, B31.8, and B31.9.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD-based drafting and strong adherence to CAD and drafting standards.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate effectively with project teams.
- Ability to review, redline, and check drawings and documents for technical accuracy and compliance with standards.
- Experience with CADWorx for equipment and piping modeling.
- Experience with Navisworks and BIM software for model review, clash detection, and multi-discipline coordination.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for lists, schedules, and Bills of Materials.
- Background in midstream oil and gas projects or other heavy industrial sectors such as water/wastewater, mining, or similar process industries.
- Understanding and application of technical principles, theories, and concepts specific to the energy and oil and gas industries.
- Experience preparing Bills of Materials and other construction-related documentation.
- Experience performing as-built walkdowns and converting field data into accurate P&IDs, isometrics, and 3D models.
- Demonstrated ability to lead project design efforts and mentor or guide drafters and junior designers.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
This is an in-office role based in a collaborative design environment, with the expectation of working on-site in the office every day initially. Over time, and as trust and familiarity with projects and processes are established, there may be opportunities for a more flexible hybrid arrangement. The team uses modern design technologies, including AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, CADWorx, Navisworks, BIM platforms, and standard office tools such as Microsoft Excel. The work focuses on energy and heavy industrial facilities, particularly midstream oil and gas projects and related process industries. The culture emphasizes support, collaboration, and professional growth, with a strong project backlog providing long-term stability and opportunities to work on critical infrastructure and energy solutions.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Thornton, CO.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Thornton,CO.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006277162