Pipe Designer

Job Title: Pipe Designer
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Duration: Contract- to-Perm
Rate: $45–$60 per hour

Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Pipe Designer with strong technical design capabilities and extensive hands-on experience using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Navisworks, and laser scan/point cloud modeling. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented, reliable, and collaborative professional who can independently develop high‑quality piping design deliverables and support field verification activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop 2D and 3D piping designs, including plans, elevations, isometrics, spool drawings, and piping work packages.
• Utilize AutoCAD Plant 3D, Navisworks Simulate/Manage, and Autodesk ReCap to produce accurate models integrating point cloud data.
• Interpret P&IDs, schematics, existing drawings, survey data, field sketches, and laser scans.
• Apply industry standards (e.g., ASME B31.3) and client specifications to all design work.
• Perform field evaluations, measurements, and walkdowns to validate design intent.
• Understand routing strategies, constructability constraints, tie-ins, and stress considerations for piping systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate piping interfaces with structural, mechanical, and civil disciplines.
• Provide quality control checks and backchecks for drawings prepared by others.
• Assist with estimating, bill of materials (BOM) creation, and development of line lists.
• Solve design issues creatively with strong spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5–20 years of relevant piping design experience.
• Strong proficiency with:
  • AutoCAD Plant 3D
  • Navisworks Simulate/Manage
  • AutoCAD 2D
  • Point cloud/laser scan interpretation & modeling
• Experience with:
  • AutoCAD Plant 3D Spec Editor
  • Autodesk ReCap
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Solid understanding of piping materials, valve types, fittings, and design best practices.
• Ability to interpret field data and integrate it into accurate design deliverables.
• Knowledge of construction strategy, tie-ins, leak testing, and piping stress fundamentals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within industrial facilities, refineries, chemical plants, or heavy manufacturing environments.
• Ability to work onsite for field measurements, coordination, and model validation.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to manage priorities across disciplines.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.