Kinder Morgan

Principal Lead Pipeline Designer

Kinder Morgan • $125K — $150K *
Los Angeles, CA 90011In-Person
Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of pipeline and transmission design experience preferred.
  • Experience as a Senior, Lead, or Principal Designer required.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD Plant 3D is necessary.
  • Familiarity with Civil 3D is beneficial.
  • Strong understanding of pipeline routing and construction drawing development.
  • Ability to independently create complex P3D models and production drawings.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Perform hands-on pipeline and transmission design utilizing AutoCAD Plant 3D.
  • Develop complex P3D models, layouts, and technical drawings.
  • Create pipeline routing and construction drawing packages.
  • Execute complex design assignments independently.
  • Review models for technical accuracy and constructability.
  • Coordinate design requirements across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Mentor junior designers and provide technical guidance.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment.
  • Opportunity for professional development and mentorship.
  • Involvement in complex pipeline design projects.
  • Potential transition to a direct position after two years.
Full Job Description
Principal Lead Pipeline Designer - Hands-On Design

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Work Schedule: Hybrid

Position Overview

We are seeking an exceptionally accomplished Principal / Lead Pipeline Designer with extensive experience supporting complex pipeline and transmission projects. This is a highly technical, hands-on design position requiring advanced expertise in AutoCAD Plant 3D (P3D) and the ability to independently execute sophisticated design work while serving as a senior technical resource to the project team.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive pipeline and transmission design experience with demonstrated career progression into a Senior Designer, Lead Designer, Principal Designer, or comparable senior-level design role.

This position is best suited for an elite technical designer who can step into complex projects, work with minimal supervision, identify and resolve design challenges, and consistently produce high-quality deliverables.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform hands-on pipeline and transmission design using AutoCAD Plant 3D (P3D).
  • Develop complex P3D models, layouts, plans, sections, details, and production drawings.
  • Develop pipeline routing and associated construction drawing packages.
  • Independently execute technically complex design assignments with minimal supervision.
  • Review models and drawings for technical accuracy, constructability, consistency, and quality.
  • Support design packages through Issued for Review (IFR), Issued for Construction (IFC), construction support, and as-built deliverables.
  • Identify design conflicts and provide practical, technically sound solutions.
  • Coordinate design requirements across multiple disciplines, including Civil, Structural, Electrical, and Instrumentation & Controls (I&C).
  • Collaborate with engineers, project managers, designers, field personnel, and other project stakeholders.
  • Apply applicable industry standards, client requirements, drafting standards, and established design practices.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and intermediate designers as needed.
  • Plan and prioritize work effectively across multiple concurrent projects.


Job Requirements

Required Qualifications
  • Extensive progressive design experience, with a strong preference for 10+ years of pipeline and transmission design experience.
  • Previous experience functioning as a Senior Designer, Lead Designer, Principal Designer, or comparable senior technical designer.
  • Expert-level AutoCAD Plant 3D proficiency is required.
  • Working knowledge of Civil 3D.
  • Extensive experience supporting pipeline and transmission projects.
  • Advanced understanding of pipeline routing and construction drawing development.
  • Strong knowledge of drawing production workflows, industry standards, and drafting best practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently develop complex P3D models and production drawings.
  • Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.


Preferred Qualifications
  • 20-30 years of progressive pipeline, transmission, utility, natural gas, or energy infrastructure design experience.
  • Previous technical leadership and quality-control responsibilities.
  • Experience mentoring junior and intermediate design professionals.
  • Experience coordinating across Civil, Structural, Electrical, and I&C disciplines.
  • Experience supporting large or technically complex capital projects.


This position is hybrid and based in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance and be available for regular onsite collaboration.

Local candidates are required due to the hybrid nature of the position and the potential opportunity for conversion to a direct position in approximately two years.

Professional references may be requested during the selection process.This is a hands-on technical design position. Candidates must demonstrate genuine senior-level pipeline and transmission design expertise, including advanced AutoCAD Plant 3D capabilities.

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.

SEARCH KINDER MORGAN JOBS

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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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