Staff Pipeline Designer - Transmission & Distribution Gas Pipelines (Chicago)

A Staff Pipeline Designer performs various phases of planning, proposal support, drawing package development, and construction documentation for natural gas pipeline and facility projects as part of a multidisciplinary project team. This position is responsible for transforming survey data, engineering mark-ups, and client criteria into detailed construction drawings, plans and profiles, and alignment sheets using AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D. Projects involve natural gas transmission lines, gas distribution main replacements, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crossings, and pipeline facility sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed engineering drawings and construction packages for natural gas transmission and distribution projects, including pipeline plans and profiles, alignment sheets, workspace layouts, and permit drawings.
• Create drawings and layout details for pipeline facilities, including metering and regulating (M&R) stations, city gates, regulator stations, valve settings, and launcher/receiver skids.
• Execute drafting assignments in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D utilizing external references (Xrefs), sheet set managers, dynamic blocks, and client-specific drawing templates and standards.
• Import, interpret, and process survey data, GIS data, aerial imagery, and digital terrain models to establish accurate project coordinate systems and base mapping.
• Draft detail sheets for pipeline crossings and installation methods, including horizontal directional drilling (HDD), jack and bore, road/railroad crossings, and utility clearances.
• Execute revisions to drawings, sketches, and engineering mark-ups across project milestones, including 30/60/90% reviews, Approved for Bid (AFB), and Approved for Construction (AFC).
• Incorporate industry standards, client specifications, and pipeline safety codes (such as ASME B31.8 and 49 CFR Part 192) into drawing layouts and bill of materials tables.
• Review design drawings and sheet packages for drafting consistency, dimensional accuracy, layering conventions, and presentation standards within project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Organize and manage project drawings, reference files, plot files, and electronic deliverables in a structured folder system.
• Perform volume calculations for site grading, excavation, and trench backfill as needed for station and workspace pads.
• Collaborate with pipeline engineers, project managers, and field staff to incorporate design criteria and resolve constructability questions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all company policies and drafting standards.

• Bachelor's degree in drafting technology or related field and 7 years of related experience required.
• Or Associate Degree's and 8 years of related experience required.
• Expert understanding of design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, and Excel to develop the design deliverables.
• Expert knowledge in design, calculations, and design systems.
• Expert knowledge in the theory and practices of civil discipline; competent in the fundamental concepts of other disciplines as they relate to the assigned discipline; and capable of operating related discipline design software necessary to execute production tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others (Project Managers, Engineers, and Designers) in a multi-discipline project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

• Software Proficiency:
  • Strong working proficiency in AutoCAD (including advanced knowledge of Xrefs, viewports, sheet sets, and coordinate systems).
  • Demonstrated experience in AutoCAD Civil 3D (surfaces, alignments, profiles, and pipe networks).
  • Familiarity with Plant 3D or MicroStation is a plus.
• Industry Knowledge: Working knowledge of natural gas pipeline construction practices, utility separation requirements, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) profiles, and basic pipeline terminology.