Senior Piping Designer

Pipe Systems Design LeadLocation: Denver, CO (on-site)About the Opportunity A rapidly growing industrial/mechanical contractor is seeking a Pipe Systems Design Lead to support large-scale industrial and mission critical/data center projects tied to the explosive growth of AI infrastructure and hyperscale liquid cooling systems.This role sits within a highly collaborative pipe fabrication and engineering operation supporting complex chilled water, condenser water, and process piping systems. The organization is experiencing significant growth driven by AI/data center demand and offers long-term stability, leadership growth potential, and the opportunity to directly influence fabrication strategy and project execution.This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to transition out of full-time physical field work while still leveraging deep piping and fabrication expertise in a high-impact technical leadership role.Why This Opportunity Stands OutMassive growth tied to AI and hyperscale data center infrastructureLong-term project backlog and strong company stabilityLeadership growth path with succession opportunity into managementAbility to directly influence fabrication strategy and constructabilityHighly collaborative environment with strong cross-functional exposureOpportunity to work closely with engineering, fabrication, operations, and field leadershipFamily-oriented culture with long-tenured leadership and employentFlexible Friday schedule with optional work-from-home flexibilityStrong internal promotion culture and minimal layoff historyExposure to highly complex and technical piping systemsPosition OverviewThe Pipe Systems Design Lead will bridge the gap between engineering design and real-world fabrication/install execution. This role focuses heavily on constructability, fabrication optimization, piping coordination, and improving installation efficiency across highly technical projects. This is not a traditional engineering-only design role. The company is specifically seeking someone who understands how piping is fabricated, transported, coordinated, and installed in the field — not simply someone who models pipe layouts from point A to point B.The role works closely with Preconstruction, Project Management, VDC/BIM, fabrication shops, and field operations teams to optimize projects before fabrication and installation begin.Key Responsibilities:Review piping layouts, drawings, and models for constructabilityCoordinate piping routings and identify field installation challengesOptimize spool configurations and fabrication workflowsImprove fabrication efficiency by minimizing unnecessary welds, fittings, offsets, and labor hoursSupport prefabrication planning, packaging, and delivery strategiesParticipate in project coordination and planning meetingsWork directly with fabrication/shop teams to improve production efficiencyReview installation sequencing and evaluate field install practicalityAssist with transportation/logistics planning and shipping density optimizationPerform quality control reviews of VDC/BIM drawings and fabrication drawingsSupport coordination with other trades and operational teamsIdentify expansion/contraction considerations within piping systemsHelp improve automated fabrication and rotator welding opportunitiesMentor and collaborate with team members on constructability best practicesIdeal Candidate BackgroundFormer pipefitter, plumber, welder, or piping professional with strong field experience10–30+ years of hands-on piping/fabrication experience preferredExperience transitioning from the field into office/VDC/design environments preferredStrong constructability mindset and practical problem-solving abilityComfortable challenging impractical layouts and proposing improvementsCollaborative personality with strong communication skillsComfortable interacting directly with fabrication shops and field teamsLong-term, career-oriented mentalityTechnical Experience PreferredRevit preferred but not requiredNavisworks experience highly valuedCAD/VDC familiarity strongly preferredComfortable learning and working within modeling software environmentsExperience reviewing piping layouts and fabrication drawingsUnderstanding of fabrication sequencing and installation coordinationIndustry Backgrounds ConsideredThe company is open to candidates from a variety of piping and mechanical environments including:Industrial pipingCommercial mechanicalProcess pipingHydronic pipingUtility pipingManufacturingGeneral mechanical contractingMission critical/data center experience is not required.What the Company DOES WantSomeone who understands how piping is fabricated, transported, and installedSomeone willing to challenge impractical layouts and improve efficiencyTeam-oriented problem solvers with strong field awarenessIndividuals comfortable collaborating with fabrication, operations, and field personnelTeam & Growth OpportunityRole created due to significant company growth and increased demandTeam currently consists of approximately three engineering staff membersNo direct reports initiallyStrong long-term opportunity to grow into leadership/managementSuccession opportunity tied to upcoming leadership retirementPotential future responsibility for leading and growing the departmentSchedule & Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based role with regular interaction across engineering, fabrication, and operationsMonday–Thursday: in office approximately 7:00 AM–4:30 PM. Friday: half day with optional work-from-home flexibilityCompensation & RelocationCompensation flexible depending on experienceStructured compensation bands with flexibility for exceptional candidatesStrong bonus structureRelocation assistance availableCompany CultureThe company offers a highly collaborative, practical, and team-oriented environment with long employee tenure and strong operational growth. Leadership values practical construction knowledge as much as formal education and promotes heavily from within. This is a strong fit for candidates seeking a long-term career destination where they can influence fabrication strategy, improve project execution, and continue growing alongside a rapidly expanding organization.