Build Your Career in Piping & Oil & Gas

From engineering offices to fabrication yards, from offshore platforms to refinery turnarounds. The industry needs skilled professionals at every level.

Why Work in Piping?

Piping systems are the arteries of every refinery, petrochemical plant, and offshore platform. They carry everything from crude oil to high-pressure steam, corrosive chemicals to cryogenic fluids. Behind every safe and efficient plant, there are engineers who designed the systems, procurement teams who sourced the materials, craftsmen who built them, inspectors who verified quality, and commissioning engineers who brought them to life.

Whether you're a fresh graduate looking to break into the industry or a seasoned professional seeking new challenges, the piping sector offers diverse career paths across multiple disciplines.

Career Paths

Discover where your skills fit in the project lifecycle

Engineering

Design the systems that keep plants running safely and efficiently.

Typical Roles

  • Piping Designer - Create 3D models and isometric drawings using SP3D, PDMS, or E3D
  • Piping Engineer - Develop piping specifications, routing studies, and material selection
  • Stress Engineer - Analyze thermal expansion, pressure loads, and pipe supports using Caesar II
  • Materials Engineer - Select materials for corrosive and high-temperature services
  • Layout Engineer - Plan equipment arrangement and pipe rack routing

Key Skills

AutoCAD SP3D/E3D Caesar II ASME B31.3 P&IDs

Career Progression

CAD Operator → Designer → Engineer → Senior Engineer → Lead → Discipline Manager

Procurement

Source, negotiate, and deliver materials on time and within budget.

Typical Roles

  • Buyer - Issue RFQs, evaluate bids, negotiate contracts with suppliers
  • Expeditor - Track orders, resolve delays, coordinate with manufacturers
  • Material Controller - Manage inventory, handle MRB, track material flow
  • Logistics Coordinator - Arrange transport, customs clearance, site delivery
  • Inspection Coordinator - Schedule vendor inspections, coordinate with TPI agencies

Key Skills

SAP/Oracle MTR Review Incoterms Contract Negotiation Vendor Management

Career Progression

Buyer/Expeditor → Senior → Lead → Procurement Manager → Supply Chain Manager

Construction & Field

Build, install, and erect piping systems in the real world.

Typical Roles

  • Pipe Fitter - Fit up pipes, flanges, and fittings according to isometrics
  • Pipe Welder - Join pipes using TIG, SMAW, or combination processes (6G certified)
  • Fabricator - Produce pipe spools in fabrication shops
  • Rigger - Handle heavy lifts, crane signals, and safe rigging practices
  • Supervisor/Superintendent - Manage crews, schedules, and site safety

Key Skills

Isometric Reading 6G Welding Fit-up Rigging HSE

Career Progression

Helper → Fitter/Welder → Chargehand → Foreman → Supervisor → Superintendent

QA/QC & Inspection

Ensure quality, verify compliance, and protect plant integrity.

Typical Roles

  • Welding Inspector - Inspect welds per AWS D1.1/ASME IX, hold CSWIP 3.1/3.2 certifications
  • NDT Technician - Perform radiography, ultrasonic, dye penetrant, and magnetic particle testing
  • Piping Inspector - Verify dimensions, materials, and compliance with specs (API 570)
  • QA/QC Engineer - Develop ITPs, manage NCRs, coordinate with client inspectors
  • Third Party Inspector - Represent clients during vendor and site inspections

Key Skills

CSWIP/CWI ASNT NDT API 570/653 ASME B31.3 ITP Development

Career Progression

Inspector → Senior Inspector → QC Lead → QA/QC Manager → QA Director

Commissioning & Start-up

Bring systems to life and hand them over to operations.

Typical Roles

  • Pre-commissioning Technician - Perform flushing, cleaning, and hydrotesting
  • Commissioning Engineer - Execute loop testing, punch lists, and system turnover
  • Systems Completion Engineer - Track mechanical completion and ready-for-commissioning status
  • Start-up Engineer - Support initial operations, troubleshoot issues during ramp-up
  • Completions Manager - Oversee entire handover process from construction to operations

Key Skills

Hydrotesting Loop Testing P&IDs ICAPS/WinPCS Operations Support

Career Progression

Technician → Engineer → Senior Engineer → Lead → Commissioning Manager

Where You'll Work

The piping industry spans multiple sectors worldwide

Refineries Process crude oil into fuels and petrochemicals
Petrochemical Plants Produce plastics, fertilizers, and chemicals
LNG Terminals Liquefy and regasify natural gas at cryogenic temperatures
Offshore Platforms Extract oil and gas from beneath the seabed
Power Plants Generate electricity using steam cycles and gas turbines
Pipelines Transport hydrocarbons over hundreds of kilometers

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Submit your CV and we'll connect you with EPC contractors, recruitment agencies, and Oil & Gas companies actively hiring. From major projects in the Middle East to turnarounds in Europe and new builds in Asia, opportunities are global.

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