Piping Design Engineer

Job Description: Piping Designer (Water Treatment) – AutoCAD Plant 3D

Role Summary

Develop 3D piping models and deliverables for municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment plants (intake, clarification, filtration, RO/UF, disinfection, sludge handling, chemical dosing), using AutoCAD Plant 3D within a multidiscipline project team.

Key Responsibilities

- Build and maintain 3D plant models in AutoCAD Plant 3D, including piping, equipment, supports, and structural/civil interfaces.

- Develop and manage project specs, catalogs, and piping classes (carbon steel, SS 304/316, HDPE, PVC/CPVC, FRP, ductile iron, GRP).

- Produce P&ID-linked deliverables: piping GAs, plans/sections, isometrics, MTOs/BOMs, line lists, and equipment layouts.

- Maintain P&ID and 3D model consistency using Plant 3D's P&ID module, data validation, and tag/line number management.

- Route piping for pump stations, blowers, clarifiers, filter galleries, membrane skids, and chemical areas, accounting for gravity flow, NPSH/suction conditions, slopes, venting, and drainage.

- Design chemical piping (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, ferric chloride, caustic, acid, polymer) with proper materials, secondary containment, and double-wall considerations.

- Coordinate pipe supports, expansion, and stress-critical lines with the pipe stress engineer.

- Perform clash detection (Navisworks or Plant 3D clash tools) and resolve interferences with civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical teams.

- Ensure designs allow for operation, maintenance access, valve/instrument accessibility, and equipment removal.

- Generate and manage isometrics via Plant 3D Isometric/Ortho tools, including spool numbering for fabrication.

- Support site queries, as-built updates, and model revisions through project phases.

- Follow company CAD standards, QA/QC procedures, and document control.

Required Qualifications

- Diploma or ITI/degree in Mechanical/Piping Design or equivalent.

- 5+ years of piping design experience; at least 3 years in water/wastewater, desalination, or process industry.

- Strong proficiency in AutoCAD Plant 3D (spec editor, catalog builder, project setup, Iso configuration); working knowledge of AutoCAD and Navisworks.

- Solid understanding of piping codes and standards: ASME B31.3, B31.1 (as applicable), AWWA C-series, ASME B16.5/B16.47, ISO/EN flanges, AWWA M11 for steel pipe.

- Knowledge of valves (butterfly, gate, check, knife gate, diaphragm), pumps, strainers, flow meters, expansion joints, and flexible couplings used in water treatment.

- Ability to read P&IDs, process datasheets, and equipment vendor drawings.

Preferred Skills

- Experience with Autodesk ecosystem: Plant 3D, Navisworks, Autodesk Docs/BIM 360, Revit coordination (for building and structure interface).

- Experience in Plant 3D customization (spec, catalog, and iso style development).

- Familiarity with thermoplastic piping practices (PVC, HDPE butt/electrofusion, solvent weld) and FRP/GRP design.

- Knowledge of hydraulic profile basics and pipe sizing criteria (velocity limits, headloss).

- Exposure to RO/desalination pretreatment and post-treatment systems.

- Understanding of 3D model reviews (30/60/90%) and laser scan/point cloud integration for brownfield projects.

Water-Treatment-Specific Design Considerations

- Corrosion resistance and material compatibility with raw water, brine, chlorinated water, and chemicals.

- Buried pipe design: thrust blocks, restrained joints, cover depth, and trench details.

- Pipe-through-wall details (puddle flanges, wall sleeves, link seals) and concrete tank interfaces.

- Low-point drains, high-point air release/vacuum valves, and surge protection.

- Gallery and trench layouts, grating/handrail clearances, and safe access.

- Compliance with potable water standards (NSF/ANSI 61) where applicable.

Deliverables Owned

- 3D model and model review packages

- Piping layout drawings and sections

- Isometrics and spool drawings

- MTO/BOM and line lists

- Piping specs and support schedules (in coordination)

- As-built drawings