Lead Piping Designer

Department: Engineering
Reporting To: Senior Maritime Engineering Director

Position Summary

The Lead Piping Designer is responsible for overseeing the design and development of marine piping systems for new vessel construction and repair projects. This role ensures piping layouts, technical drawings and production packages are accurate, practical and aligned with engineering specifications.

Working closely with engineering, project management and production teams, the Lead Piping Designer provides technical guidance, reviews design deliverables and ensures all work meets shipbuilding standards, regulatory requirements and project specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of marine piping systems for newbuild and vessel repair projects.
• Produce, review and approve detailed piping arrangements, spool drawings and associated equipment layouts.
• Ensure piping designs are accurate, practical and suitable for shipyard fabrication and installation.
• Coordinate with engineering and production teams to resolve design issues and ensure smooth project execution.
• Review and validate production drawing packages, including red-line markups and back-fix revisions.
• Ensure all piping designs comply with applicable ABS, U.S. Coast Guard and relevant shipbuilding regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior designers, helping develop the team’s capabilities.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and ensure drawings meet project deadlines.
• Identify and resolve design discrepancies while maintaining engineering standards and project requirements.

Education & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in marine piping design or shipbuilding engineering.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, Navisworks and ShipConstructor.
• Associate degree in a relevant engineering or technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Extensive knowledge of marine piping systems, connections, arrangements and layouts.
• Proven ability to develop and review piping arrangements, spool drawings and associated equipment designs.
• Experience reviewing and validating production drawing packages using red-line and back-fix methods.
• Working knowledge of ABS and U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations.
• Strong understanding of shipyard fabrication methods, installation processes and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and support junior designers.

Physical Requirements

• Correctable vision to 20/40 and the ability to distinguish safety colours and symbols, including passing the Ishihara colour vision test.
• Ability to pass pulmonary function testing where respiratory protection is required.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, stoop and climb stairs or ladders.
• Ability to perform overhead work and maintain a full range of motion.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and navigating restricted openings as small as 18 x 23 inches.
• Ability to move and work in awkward positions and remain in static positions for extended periods.
• Good balance and the ability to work at elevated heights, including scaffolding, staging and mechanical lifts.
• Ability to carry tools and equipment weighing up to approximately 75 lbs.

Working Conditions & Safety Requirements

• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, hard hats, face shields, safety goggles, steel-toe footwear, safety harnesses and protective gloves.
• Follow all workplace health, safety and environmental procedures.
• Immediately report workplace accidents, injuries, equipment damage or misuse of tools.
• Be prepared to work across various environments, both indoors and outdoors, including shipyard production areas.
• Maintain a consistent working pace to meet project schedules and operational deadlines.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and requirements of the position but is not intended to be exhaustive. Management reserves the right to amend responsibilities, duties and requirements as operational needs dictate.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Kieran Mead