Principal Designer Piping
Zachry
Houston, TX · Posted September 30, 2026
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November 2026
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About the job
Zachry Group is currently accepting applications for a Principal Piping Designer . The Principal Piping Designer will be responsible in the design office for Lead engineering and design tasks of the assigned projects based on specific and detailed instructions received from the assigned supervisor as to the required tasks and results expected.
Possess understanding of more advanced thermal expansion and basic dynamic Stress analysis principals required when doing preliminary layout
• Detailed knowledge of key major equipment and instrumentation and differences in technology and process units
• Ability to layout brownfield and greenfield facilities with understanding of equipment spacing criteria with respect to industry standards and operational/maintenance access and clearances
• Ability to complete complex piping design and more advanced equipment layouts in accordance with Industry Practices
• Ability to review new proposals/RFQs and complete complex work estimates for large projects including the ability to develop competitive execution strategies for early FEL/FEED project RFQs
• Advanced understanding on standard instrument design and installation requirements and differences in technology
• Advanced field constructability and knowledge of fabrications means/methods to be a qualified checker for high complexity jobs
• Advanced knowledge of equipment and instrument maintenance zones and pull requirements
• Ability to develop complex line study layouts to serves as a basis for detailed piping design.
• Ability to audit and validate the adherence to the Quality process and workflow of other designers on the project team
• Initiate conceptual physical design requirements in coordination with appropriate responsible supervisors and engineers
• Check and verify the discipline design on projects and able to function as a certified checker medium to higher complexity projects
• Ability to write more detailed, complex execution plans
• Ability to coordinate and manage projects with workshare efforts
• Advanced understanding of structure design and impact to layout and pipe support loads
• Serve as mentor for new and junior designers and drafters
• Serve as the technical specialist for team reviews and design reviews on packages.
• Perform all other duties as assigned
15+ years of experience and knowledge in the design requirements for respective discipline as they apply to petrochemical, ,refining, pharmaceutical, or power plant construction projects
•Strong Piping Design skills in accordance with several Industry standards and codes (API, ASME, PIP, etc.)
• High school diploma or Associates Degrees with drafting courses; Bachelor’s Degree preferred with design experience
•SME on project change and change management
• SME on complex schedule development with respect to precursor and successors and resource loading.
•Advanced knowledge of expansion joint design and associated differences with respect to types of expansion joints.
• Advanced knowledge of spring supports and functionality including differences between types of engineered supports.
•Advanced ability and understanding of recognizing project change and basic understanding of change management procedure with ability to translate to engineering change notices
• Served in several field assignment specific to design, constructability, and means/methods on piping installation and fit up.
• SME level resource capable of supporting the development all details associated with piping as it pertains to cost estimates. Includes some general experience associated with risk assessments, risk registers, and developing a contingency basis for piping and project execution on large capital projects.•
• Advanced understanding of complex project planning and forecasting with more advanced knowledge and experience using earned value and managing rules of credit.
Physical Demands
Employee will be required to communicate in person, via telephone, email, use of arm/hand steadiness, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, multi limb coordination, oral expression, and comprehension. May be required to lift, carry and move objects safely.
Work Environment
Employee will work in multiple environments including an office, warehouse and in a trailer or building on construction sites. On construction sites, noise levels will be moderate to high. Job sites may contain the following: light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools, people standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Noise levels vary and may include bells, whistles, and alarms.
The above description covers the fundamental responsibilities of the Senior Piping Designer position. It shall not be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day.
Zachry Group is dedicated in providing a Safe and Drug Free work environment; and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.