Piping Engineer

Job Title: Piping EngineerJob Description

The Piping Engineer will support the Lead Mechanical Engineer in the execution of a large capital project at a chemical facility in the Kansas City, MO area, with a strong emphasis on piping systems design, pipe stress analysis, and startup/commissioning activities. This long-term contract role spans multiple project phases, from detailed design and documentation through construction, startup, and commissioning, and involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary engineering and project team.

Responsibilities

• Participate as an active member of the project team, collaborating closely with mechanical, process, electrical, and construction professionals throughout all project phases.
• Assist in the development and review of piping layouts, equipment arrangements, piping specifications, and complete design packages in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and site requirements.
• Support the Lead Mechanical Engineer in defining project design requirements for mechanical and piping systems and assembling estimate information for the mechanical/piping discipline.
• Ensure piping designs meet process operability, maintainability, and safety objectives, incorporating best practices and relevant industry standards.
• Prepare and review line lists, check P&IDs, and specify valves, piping, and related components during the design phase.
• Assist in the development of construction and fabrication packages, including drawings, vendor data, and technical specifications for mechanical and piping work.
• Contribute to project design documentation and closeout documentation in alignment with the established engineering execution process.
• Assist with project commissioning and checkout activities, helping to validate system performance and ensure a smooth startup of piping systems.
• Provide technical oversight and support for mechanical and piping contractors, reviewing drawings, clarifying requirements, and helping to resolve technical issues.
• Work closely alongside the construction management team, coordinating with contractors and cross-checking drawings and documentation during construction.
• Travel to project sites as required, with onsite presence increasing during construction, startup, and commissioning phases.

Essential Skills

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Approximately 12 years of engineering experience, with significant focus on piping systems and capital project execution.
• Broad knowledge of mechanical codes and industry piping standards, including familiarity with ASME and relevant piping codes.
• Expertise in CAEPIPE pipe stress analysis software and strong proficiency in pipe stress modeling and analysis.
• Experience in piping system installation, startup, and commissioning within industrial environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary project team and contribute to complex capital projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including clear communication, active listening, verbal clarity, and appropriate assertiveness.
• Collaborative mindset, capable of working well with people across all levels and hierarchies, both internally and externally.
• Health, safety, and environment (HSE) driven mindset, with a willingness to follow safety and engineering standards and guidance.
• Ability and willingness to travel onsite, with flexibility to adjust onsite presence based on project phase and needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of pipe stress modeling software and methodologies beyond CAEPIPE.
• Experience working on capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects and understanding of full project life cycle and team dynamics.
• Hands-on experience with startup and commissioning activities in industrial facilities.
• Background in chemical or oil and gas industries is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with ASME standards and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) practices.
• Knowledge of piping codes such as ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) and ASME B31.1 (Power Piping).
• Experience with COMPRESS or similar pressure vessel modeling software is preferred.
• Residence in the Kansas City (KC) or St. Louis (STL) area is advantageous for travel and onsite work.

Work Environment

This role supports a major capital project at a chemical facility in the Kansas City, MO area and can be based in either the Kansas City or St. Louis region. The work will occur in distinct phases. During the initial design phase, roughly the first six months, the position will be primarily desk-based, focusing on line lists, P&ID reviews, and specifying valves and piping within an office or engineering environment. During this phase, onsite visits to the Kansas City facility are expected to be limited to short day trips, approximately a couple of days per month. As the project moves into construction, onsite presence will increase, with regular weekly visits anticipated, including time in Chesterfield and at the Kansas City site. In the final startup and commissioning phase, onsite work will likely be required four to five days per week for the last several months of the project. The role involves working closely with process engineers, project managers, electrical engineers, and construction management, as well as coordinating with contractors. The schedule generally aligns with a standard full-time workweek, but travel and onsite needs will vary in waves depending on project demands, so candidates should be comfortable with a nimble and dynamic work pattern. Dress expectations align with professional office attire during design work and appropriate industrial site attire, including required safety gear, during onsite activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Saint Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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