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Principal Designer Piping

Zachry

Downers Grove, IL · Posted June 10, 2026

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About the job

Zachry Group is currently accepting applications for a Principal Designer for our Downers Grove Design Center office location.

Complete advanced/complex Piping Design and Equipment Layouts in accordance with Industry Practices using 2D CAD & 3D E3D Software and/or other 3D Design software

Ability to write execution plans for large caps and high complexity projects.

Ability to create detailed project schedules and review schedules for multi-discipline projects.

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 audit and validate the adherence to the Quality process and workflow of other designers on the project team

Serve as mentor for new and junior designers and drafters

Serve as the technical specialist for team reviews and design reviews on packages.

Ability to converse with the Client and identify scope change

Serve as a qualified expert in Piping capable of making key technical decisions on a project

Prepare construction documents which includes General Arrangements, Piping Isometrics, Piping Plans, Material Take Offs

Prepare design sketches for use by drafting personnel

Create design sketches, layouts, and notes from field walkdowns

Ability to create as built P&IDs from field walkdowns

Develop stress packages to submit to Stress Engineering, with understanding on continuations and required details on existing supports, guides, anchors, etc. impact system flexibility

Possess understanding of more advanced thermal expansion and basic dynamic Stress analysis principals required when doing preliminary layout and work with Stress Engineers to optimize layouts on hot lines

Basic ability to import and use/navigate a laser scan with LFM.

Ability to lead large teams of designers and coordinate all required day to day workflow

Ability to review new proposals/RFQs and complete estimates for small and large caps work

Advanced experience marking up and coordinating vendor document review for major and minor equipment and coordinate logistics on the vendor document review process

Advanced understanding on standard instrument design and installation requirements and differences in technology with ability to navigate those design and installation challenges without supervision.

Ability to develop line study 2D drawings to develop hand take off MTOs to support cost estimates and to serve as the basis for detailed design.

Understanding of structural design and requirements and impact to layout and pipe support loads

Initiate conceptual physical design requirements in coordination with appropriate responsible supervisors and engineers

Conduct and run model reviews, including ability to collect and manage comments

Check and verify the discipline design on projects as a certified checker medium to higher complexity projects including ability to check equipment design and layouts in E3D using advanced field constructability and knowledge of fabrications means/methods

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

High school diploma or Associates Degrees with drafting courses; Bachelor’s Degree preferred with design experience

Strong Piping Design skills in accordance with several Industry standards and codes (API, ASME, PIP, etc.)

Knowledge of expansion joint design and associated differences with respect to types of expansion joints.

Knowledge of spring supports and functionality including differences between types of engineered supports.

Served in several field assignment specific to design, constructability, and means/methods on piping installation and fit up.

General knowledge of typical out of spec and specialty items associated with piping systems.

Advanced ability to navigate in 3D E3D model and Navisworks

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Adobe/Bluebeam, and Document Control Systems.

Advanced knowledge on FEL/FEED project execution staged gate process including understanding differences on execution between early FEL/FEED and detailed design.

Able to mark up and track master P&ID comments and ability to transpose line list information to drawings/documents

Detailed knowledge of major types of fixed equipment and rotating equipment

Detailed knowledge of and key design requirements of instrumentation

Understanding of basic NDE/T means/methods as well as basic knowledge of insulation and coatings

Advanced understanding of the overall Project Execution and Multi-Discipline project workflow and execution.

Self-starter with initiative and ability to complete deliverables and tasks with minimal supervision

Strong attention to detail and ability to prepare design concepts, technical documents, and drawings

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Commitment to quality, responsibility, high work standards and initiatives.

Comply and understand Zachry Group’s culture and philosophies including all business objectives and goals.

Ability to direct and control the complete operation of a project, guided by precedent and within the limits of established policies.

Appropriate use of confidential information, which if disclosed, may be detrimental to the company’s interests.

Position requires a “Whatever It Takes” attitude and commitment.

Ability to clearly communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing

Bachelor or Associate degree preferred

Advanced knowledge on equipment and piping layout in several industries.

Construction Support, Mechanical Completion, and Plant Start up and Commissioning Experience

Extensive site assignment support experience

Large greenfield and brownfield project execution support

Extensive experience working with major fixed and rotating equipment and typical instrumentation in the field.

Advanced understanding of and experience working “hands on” with various instrumentation technologies associated with piping systems

Salary/Pay Rate:

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the expected salary range for this Illinois position, Principal Desinger Piping, is between $148,000.00 and $211,827.20 annually. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.

Benefits:

This position, Principal Desinger Piping , is eligible for participation in Zachry’s Total Employee Rewards Program, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits. This position is also eligible for participation in the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Employee will be required to communicate in person, via telephone, email, video chat and software systems. Position will include visits to maintenance sites and industrial facilities requiring mobility (on ground and at heights) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and work boots.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employee will work in multiple environments including an office, warehouse and in a trailer or building on sites. On work sites noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain: light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools, people standing, walking, sitting, signaling and talking, bells whistles and alarms.

The above description covers the fundamental responsibilities of the Principal Designer. 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 to providing a Safe and Drug Free work environment; and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.