Pipe Fitter – Sanitary Process Piping

Mackinnon Bruce International; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Mackinnon Bruce International is seeking an experienced Pipe Fitter to join its manufacturing team in Powhatan, Virginia. The role focuses on high-purity stainless steel sanitary piping, valve manifolds, and skid systems assembled from engineering drawings and P&IDs.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in sanitary process piping, can read P&IDs and isometric drawings, and understands surface finish and passivation. A hands-on fabrication environment with hygienic standards awaits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of dedicated experience in sanitary process piping or pipe fitting.
• Experience fitting and assembling stainless steel process piping and equipment.
• Experience fitting complex valve manifolds and process skid systems.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, isometric drawings, and fabrication drawings.
• Strong knowledge of sanitary connections (Tri-Clamp, Bevel Seat).
• Understanding of surface finish requirements and passivation processes.
• Experience using sanitary pipe cutters, facing tools, grinders and precision measuring equipment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to hygienic, high-quality installations.

Responsibilities

• Measure, cut and fit high-purity stainless steel sanitary tubing and piping for custom process skids.
• Assemble valve manifolds and process skid systems per engineering drawings.
• Position, align and fit vessels, reactors and tanks into skid systems.
• Read P&IDs, isometric drawings and layout schematics.
• Prepare pipe and components for TIG/GTAW welding with precise fit-up.
• Maintain sanitary piping and equipment to required tolerances and standards.
• Commit to hygienic design standards (3-A, FDA, ASME BPE) and collaborate with welders and engineers.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment.

Skills

Sanitary piping experience

P&ID reading

Valve manifolds

Process skid systems

Surface finish & passivation

Measurement & inspection

Fabrication drawings

Tools

Sanitary pipe cutters

Facing tools

Grinders

Precision measuring tools

Job description

Mackinnon Bruce International is working exclusively with a leading provider of process and flow control solutions to identify an experienced Pipe Fitter to join their manufacturing team in Powhatan, Virginia.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled pipe fitter with experience in sanitary process piping, stainless steel fabrication and process skid assembly to join a technically focused organisation supporting customers across highly regulated industries including food & beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, chemical processing and water treatment.

The Opportunity

As a Pipe Fitter, you will be responsible for the fabrication, fit-up and assembly of high-purity stainless steel sanitary piping, valve manifolds, tanks and process skid systems.

You will work from engineering drawings and P&IDs to accurately assemble complex process equipment, ensuring all work meets stringent quality, hygienic design and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Measure, cut and fit high-purity stainless steel sanitary tubing and piping for custom process skids.
• Assemble and fit complex valve manifolds and process skid systems in accordance with engineering drawings.
• Position, align and fit process vessels, reactors and tanks into skid systems.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, isometric drawings and layout schematics.
• Prepare pipe and components for precision TIG/GTAW welding, including accurate fit-up and bevel preparation.
• Ensure sanitary piping and equipment are fabricated to the required tolerances and specifications.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship in accordance with hygienic design requirements, including 3-A, FDA and ASME BPE standards.
• Work closely with welders, engineers and other members of the fabrication team to deliver completed skid systems to specification.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will have:

• 2+ years' dedicated experience in sanitary process piping or pipe fitting.
• Demonstrable experience fitting and assembling stainless steel process piping and equipment.
• Experience fitting complex valve manifolds and process skid systems.
• The ability to accurately read and interpret P&IDs, isometric drawings and fabrication drawings.
• Strong knowledge of sanitary connections, including Tri-Clamp and Bevel Seat connections.
• Understanding of surface finish requirements and passivation processes.
• Experience using sanitary pipe cutters, facing tools, grinders and precision measuring equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, hygienic installations.

Experience fitting, aligning or assembling sanitary process tanks, vessels or reactors would be highly advantageous.

Experience working on process skids or modular systems within the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical or other hygienically controlled industries would also be beneficial.

Physical Requirements

This role is hands-on and based within a manufacturing/fabrication environment. You should be comfortable with:

• Standing for extended periods.
• Bending, kneeling and working in confined or elevated areas.
• Lifting and manoeuvring pipework and components weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Working in a fast-paced fabrication and manufacturing environment.