Lead Piping Designer

Dillon Engineering Services; Leinster; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dillon Engineering Services is seeking a Piping Lead Designer to head piping design activities for large API, Biotech and Fill Finish projects based in Cork and Dublin offices.

The successful candidate will lead a team across feasibility, concept, detail design and construction support, ensuring alignment with project schedules and client requirements. Strong technical expertise and travel readiness are essential.

Qualifications

• Third-level engineering qualification or equivalent trade experience.
• Experience with process and mechanical piping systems within the Life Sciences sector.
• Essential experience leading a team of piping designers within the pharmaceutical or related industry.
• Proficiency in Navisworks and Plant 3D, SP3D or similar 3D design software.
• Strong communication and leadership across multi-office projects.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead piping design across feasibility to construction support.
• Estimate piping design efforts and develop resource plans.
• Coordinate with multiple offices and disciplines across the project.
• Prepare material take-offs and procurement documentation.
• Provide weekly progress reports and maintain a six-week look-ahead plan.
• Mentor junior designers and ensure adherence to project procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Resource planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Navisworks

Plant 3D

SP3D

Job description

A Piping Lead Designer is required for large API, Biotech and Fill Finish projects being delivered from the Cork and Dublin offices.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading piping design activities across all project phases, from feasibility and concept through to detailed design and construction support. The role requires strong technical expertise, resource planning, team leadership and coordination across multiple offices and disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the complete piping design of a project or designated area of a larger project, from Feasibility, Concept and Basis of Design through Detail Design and Construction Support (SDC).
• Estimate piping design efforts and develop resource plans.
• Lead a large team of Piping Designers, Stress Engineers and Pipe Support teams across multi-office project execution, fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Delegate work, control allocated man-hours and raise variations to scope when required.
• Develop and maintain the Manloader throughout the project, communicating resource requirements in advance.
• Develop designs and models for complex process piping systems using P&IDs, piping specifications, equipment arrangement drawings and other basic information.
• Review and update piping specifications and support standards as required.
• Coordinate with the Pipe Support Design Partner and maintain the project schedule.
• Attend project meetings and constructability reviews, including meetings at client sites where required.
• Assist with project scheduling and provide accurate progress measurements.
• Proactively coordinate with other disciplines.
• Perform field design and verification activities as required.
• Provide technical direction to less experienced piping designers.
• Prepare conceptual designs, feasibility studies and equipment stack-ups.
• Prepare material take-offs, cost estimates and material procurement documentation, including tracking piping quantities throughout the design phase.
• Use Navisworks, Plant 3D, SmartPlant or similar 3D design software.
• Accurately forecast the hours required to complete work activities.
• Monitor changes and assess their impact on resource requirements and project schedules.
• Provide weekly reports on piping deliverables and maintain a six-week look-ahead plan, identifying potential risks.
• Develop project procedures and work instructions for the team.
• Ensure consistency across the project and compliance with project procedures, work instructions and checklists throughout the project lifecycle.
• Respond to technical queries from mechanical contractors, vendors and construction management.
• Conduct client model reviews and track client comments through to closure.
• Travel to project sites, client offices, vendor offices and other offices domestically or internationally, as required.
• Participate in project quality audits.

Requirements

• Third-level engineering qualification or equivalent trade experience.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in piping design, drafting and related disciplines.
• Experience with process and mechanical piping systems within the Life Sciences sector.
• A thorough understanding and application of technical principles, theories and concepts relevant to piping design.
• Essential experience leading a team of piping designers within the pharmaceutical or a related industry.
• Essential proficiency in Navisworks and Plant 3D, SP3D or similar 3D design software.
• Strong work ethic and excellent communication skills, with the ability to lead multi-office project execution.
• Proven time management and resource planning skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Only candidates who are legally authorised to work in Ireland will be considered for this role.