Principal Piping Designer

Mc Dermott; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott International, Ltd in Dubai seeks a Principal Piping Designer to lead piping design activities across Pre-FEED, FEED and Detailed Design phases, developing plant layouts and 3D models.

You will coordinate with disciplines, review drawings, manage resources, and supervise design teams, bringing extensive Oil & Gas project experience and proficiency in E3D or SP3D and AutoCAD to deliver compliant, safe engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with focus on mechanical design.
• Extensive oil & gas piping design experience in Pre-FEED, FEED, and Detailed Design.
• Proven ability to lead piping design activities and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead piping design activities across Pre-FEED, FEED and Detailed Design.
• Coordinate with other disciplines to maintain clash-free 3D models.
• Review and approve piping drawings per project specs and McDermott procedures.
• Forecast design resource needs when acting as Lead Designer.
• Mentor less-experienced designers and manage design changes.

Skills

E3D/SP3D

AutoCAD

3D CAD systems

Piping design leadership

Discipline coordination

Education

High school diploma in Mechanical Design

Tools

E3D

SP3D

AutoCAD

Job description

Principal Piping Designer Job Snapshot Role: Principal Piping Designer Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Oil and Energy Function: CAD-Drafting Experience: Minimum 10 years of oil and gas design experience, including Pre-FEED, FEED, and Detailed Design Job Type: Not specified Position Overview McDermott International, Ltd is seeking a Principal Piping Designer in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to lead piping design activities across Pre-FEED, FEED, and Detailed Design phases. The role is responsible for plant layout development, 3D modeling, piping design coordination, drawing approval, model reviews, multidisciplinary interfaces, resource planning, and supervision of design teams. The position requires extensive experience with E3D or SP3D, AutoCAD, plant design practices, and major oil and gas engineering projects.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates City: Dubai Industry: Oil and Energy Function: CAD-Drafting Salary: Not disclosed Gender: No Preference Candidate Nationality: Not specified Job Type: Not specified

Job Overview

The Principal Piping Designer works with a high degree of autonomy within established piping design procedures and practices. The role directly influences the effectiveness of the piping design team and related engineering disciplines by coordinating design activities, resolving complex issues, and improving discipline processes and methods. When assigned as Lead Designer, the position coordinates the work of piping designers, manages discipline interfaces, supports project planning and progress measurement, and acts as a key piping design contact for project stakeholders.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Perform piping design activities for process facilities within agreed schedules, budgets, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Consider constructability, economics, maintenance, and operational requirements throughout Pre-FEED, FEED, and Detailed Design.
• Develop plant layouts and 3D models.
• Coordinate with other disciplines to maintain clash-free 3D models.
• Review and approve piping drawings, including plot plans, in accordance with project specifications, McDermott procedures, and applicable design practices.
• Complete assigned design activities and facilitate the work of other team members.
• Set priorities and organize work to achieve project objectives.
• Forecast and plan design resource requirements when acting as Lead Designer.
• Apply experience, established practices, and engineering precedents to resolve complex design issues.
• Identify problems early and follow through on corrective actions.

Lead Designer Responsibilities

• Lead the piping design team in completing assigned work within planned schedules and budgets.
• Ensure design activities comply with applicable standards, McDermott procedures, and project-specific requirements.
• Act as the project discipline point of contact for piping design matters.
• Participate in communications and meetings with project teams, Clients, vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary aspects of piping design and deliverables.
• Support the Lead Piping Engineer in measuring project progress and productivity.
• Coordinate piping design activities and interfaces with other engineering disciplines.
• Maintain effective communication between disciplines.
• Support effective management of design changes.
• Coordinate 3D model reviews.
• Ensure model review comments are addressed and closed.
• Monitor and coordinate design teams, including remotely where required.
• Lead piping design activities within a Multi Office Project Execution Environment when assigned as Lead or AreaLead.
• Support and supervise less‑experienced members of the design team.

Plant Design and3D Modeling

• Develop plant designs, 3D models, and associated drawings in accordance with project schedules and allocated work hours.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the project scope of work, specifications, schedule, and interdisciplinary requirements.
• Provide piping design input to the Plant Layout Narrative in accordance with the agreed scope.
• Coordinate plant layouts with equipment, structures, process requirements, and other discipline interfaces.
• Ensure piping layouts support operational, maintenance, constructability, and safety requirements.
• Develop and maintain models using applicable 3D CAD systems.
• Apply E3D or SP3D knowledge to project design activities.
• Use AutoCAD and related drafting tools as required.

Project Coordination

• Attend project kickoff meetings.
• Participate in design reviews.
• Attend vendor meetings.
• Participate in 3D model reviews.
• Coordinate with Lead Designers, Engineers, Project Engineers, Information Management, Document Control, and Client representatives.
• Interface with other engineering and design disciplines assigned to the project.
• Ensure interdisciplinary requirements are incorporated into piping design deliverables.
• Communicate project concerns, design requirements, and technical information clearly and directly.

Change Management and Technical Support

• Identify scope changes promptly.
• Raise change notifications through the applicable Change Management System.
• Assist the Lead Piping Engineer with technical queries when acting as Lead Designer.
• Support preparation of piping estimates.
• Assist with evaluating changes to job scope.
• Monitor design progress against project requirements.
• Escalate issues that may affect schedule, cost, quality, or technical performance.

Leadership and Team Development

• Coordinate the piping design team assigned to a project or specific project area.
• Supervise design activities during detailing and production phases.
• Provide technical guidance to less‑experienced designers.
• Support the Department Manager with designer performance appraisals.
• Facilitate effective communication across the design team.
• Share technical knowledge and practical piping design experience.
• Encourage adherence to established design and quality procedures.

Health, Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Ensure piping design work complies with McDermott requirements.
• Follow Client requirements and applicable statutory design codes.
• Apply relevant national and international industry standards and specifications.
• Maintain strong focus on health and safety policies.
• Follow applicable quality assurance systems and procedures.
• Ensure design deliverables meet project quality requirements.

Reporting Relationships

Project Reporting:

• Lead Piping Engineer.
• Lead Piping Designer.

Functional Reporting:

• Supervising Department Manager.

Liaises With:

• Lead Designers.
• Designers.
• Engineers.
• Engineering discipline leads.
• Project Engineer.
• Information Management Group.
• Document Control.
• Client representatives.
• Vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors where applicable.

Supervises:

• Piping Design team assigned to a project or part of a project during detailing and production phases.

Qualifications

• High school graduate with a diploma in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience with a major contractor or consultant.
• 10 years of oil and gas experience performing Pre‑FEED, FEED, and Detailed Design.
• Minimum one or two projects of practical experience using E3D and/or S3D.
• Demonstrated capability to lead piping design activities and design teams.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Detailed knowledge of 3D CAD systems.
• Strong experience with E3D or SP3D.
• Detailed knowledge of AutoCAD and/or AutoLISP.
• Strong understanding of plant design and 3D modeling.
• Knowledge of piping design practices and project deliverables.
• Familiarity with applicable local regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with international and national industry standards and specifications.
• General understanding of process equipment operation and maintenance.
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary design interfaces.
• Ability to lead model reviews and close review comments.
• Understanding of project scheduling, resource planning, and productivity measurement.
• Knowledge of quality assurance systems.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• Programming, 3D modeling, menu development, or macro compilation skills are advantageous.
• Flexibility for business travel and project assignments.

About McDermott International

McDermott International applies engineering and construction expertise across the energy value chain, including subsea infrastructure, offshore platforms, offshore wind infrastructure, and onshore energy developments. The company has operated for more than 100 years and employs more than 30,000 people across 54 countries.