Kinder Morgan

Principal Lead Designer - Project & Design Oversight

Kinder Morgan • $135K — $160K *
Los Angeles, CA 90011In-Person
Energy & Utilities
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-15 years of experience in pipeline, transmission, or similar infrastructure design environments.
  • Proven track record in a senior technical leadership position, such as Principal Designer or Lead Designer.
  • Strong pipeline and transmission project experience with a focus on complexity.
  • Extensive knowledge of technical design review and quality control processes.
  • Expertise in AutoCAD Plant 3D, with a working knowledge of Civil 3D.
  • Ability to manage project risks and resolve design conflicts efficiently.
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Provide expert oversight for pipeline and transmission designs.
  • Manage multiple projects and design teams concurrently.
  • Ensure design activities align with project goals and timelines.
  • Review design packages for accuracy and quality before finalization.
  • Lead quality control and design review initiatives.
  • Coordinate effectively across civil, structural, electrical, and instrumentation teams.
  • Mentor junior design staff and reinforce technical best practices.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule offering flexibility between remote and in-office work.
  • Opportunity to work on complex, high-profile projects in a leading-edge industry.
  • Access to professional development and mentorship programs for career growth.
  • Engagement in multidisciplinary teamwork with diverse technical experts.
Full Job Description
Principal Lead Designer - Project & Design Oversight

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Work Schedule: Hybrid

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly accomplished Principal / Lead Designer to provide senior-level project, design, and technical oversight across complex pipeline and transmission projects.

This is not a primary production design position. The successful candidate will focus on overseeing projects and design teams, coordinating multidisciplinary activities, reviewing technical deliverables, maintaining design quality, resolving project and design conflicts, and ensuring successful delivery across multiple concurrent projects.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history of operating at the Principal or Lead level, with the technical credibility and leadership experience necessary to oversee sophisticated pipeline and transmission design efforts.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide senior-level technical and design oversight for pipeline and transmission projects.
  • Oversee multiple projects and design workstreams simultaneously.
  • Establish priorities and ensure design activities remain aligned with project scope, schedule, technical requirements, and deliverables.
  • Review complex design packages for technical accuracy, completeness, constructability, consistency, and quality.
  • Lead design reviews and quality-control activities.
  • Oversee drawing development and design workflows without serving as the primary production designer.
  • Coordinate across multiple disciplines, including Civil, Structural, Electrical, and Instrumentation & Controls (I&C).
  • Serve as a senior technical resource to project managers, engineers, designers, and project stakeholders.
  • Identify project risks and design conflicts and facilitate practical solutions before they impact project delivery.
  • Provide technical direction and guidance to Senior, Intermediate, and Junior Designers.
  • Mentor design personnel and reinforce established technical standards and design best practices.
  • Support projects throughout IFR, IFC, construction support, and as-built phases.
  • Oversee design changes and ensure revisions are properly incorporated into project deliverables.
  • Plan, prioritize, and oversee multiple projects, deadlines, dependencies, and resource requirements.
  • Facilitate effective communication among Engineering, Design, Project Management, field personnel, and other stakeholders.


Job Requirements

Required Qualifications
  • Extensive progressive experience within pipeline, transmission, utility, natural gas, energy, or comparable infrastructure design environments.
  • Demonstrated experience functioning at the Principal Designer, Lead Designer, Design Lead, or comparable senior technical leadership level.
  • Strong pipeline and transmission project experience.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing complex design packages and multidisciplinary design teams.
  • Strong understanding of AutoCAD Plant 3D (P3D) design environments and production workflows.
  • Working knowledge of Civil 3D.
  • Comprehensive understanding of pipeline routing, construction drawings, design deliverables, and drawing production processes.
  • Experience supporting project phases including IFR, IFC, construction support, and as-built deliverables.
  • Significant experience with technical design review, quality control, constructability, and multidisciplinary coordination.
  • Ability to identify project risks, resolve design conflicts, and provide practical technical solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • 15+ years of progressive design and technical leadership experience.
  • Significant pipeline and transmission infrastructure experience.
  • Natural gas or utility project experience.
  • Previous responsibility for overseeing large or technically complex design packages.
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing design professionals.
  • Extensive multidisciplinary coordination experience involving Civil, Structural, Electrical, and I&C teams.


This position is hybrid and based in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Candidates must be available for regular onsite collaboration and coordination with project teams and stakeholders.

This position is centered on project and technical oversight rather than hands-on production design. Candidates should demonstrate genuine Principal or Lead-level responsibility for complex projects, multidisciplinary coordination, technical quality, and successful project delivery.

About Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is the largest midstream and the fourth largest energy company (based on combined enterprise value) in North America. They own an interest in or operate approximately 82,000 miles of pipelines and 180 terminals. Their publicly traded companies include Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI), Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE: KMP), Kinder Morgan Management, LLC (NYSE: KMR) and El Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P. (NYSE: EPB).

Kinder Morgan Careers

Join the dynamic team at Kinder Morgan, one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. At Kinder Morgan, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and innovation in the energy sector.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Kinder Morgan where we prioritize your professional development and personal growth. Our diverse range of job opportunities spans from engineering to project management, ensuring that every career path leads to success and leadership development.

Transform Your Career

With Kinder Morgan, you are not just taking a job; you are joining a team that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Our commitment to innovation and safety makes us a leader in the industry, providing our employees with the skills and training necessary to lead in their fields and beyond.

Lead with Us

Step into a role that places you at the forefront of the energy industry. Kinder Morgan’s leadership in transporting natural gas, CO2, and other essential products makes it a pivotal player in driving economic growth and sustainability. Our leadership training ensures you are equipped for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Collaborate on Innovative Projects

Join forces with over 11,000 dedicated professionals who are as passionate about energy solutions as you are. At Kinder Morgan, you’ll work on projects that harness innovative technologies and practices, enhancing your skills and advancing the industry.

Introducing Kinder Morgan’s Professional Development Programs

We are committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning. Our professional development programs are designed to help you master your role and prepare for future challenges, whether through on-the-job training, formal education programs, or leadership workshops.

Do Innovative Work

At Kinder Morgan, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From advanced energy transportation solutions to cutting-edge safety protocols, your work will directly contribute to shaping the future of energy.

Be Part of a Great Team

Experience a company culture that is supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Kinder Morgan’s focus on diversity and safety creates a welcoming environment where every team member can thrive.

Future-Proof Your Career

With a multitude of career paths and continuous learning opportunities, your potential at Kinder Morgan is limitless. Advance your career with our comprehensive benefits, competitive compensation, and performance incentives.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Kinder Morgan offers a range of positions and internship opportunities that will harness your potential and expand your capabilities. Connect with us to learn how your skills and interests align with our mission.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions at Kinder Morgan that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players.

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Learn more about Kinder Morgan
Size
10,529 employees
Market Cap
$40.1 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$119 million
Founded
1997
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$11.6 billion
NASDAQ
KMI
* Ladders Estimates

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