Piping/Mechanical Designer - Facilities

Location: Kingsport, Tennessee, United States

Category: Engineering & Technology

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Description

BAE Systems is seeking a Piping Designer to drive the conceptualization and technical execution of piping systems for maintenance and sustainment projects supporting energetic manufacturing processes at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP).

In this critical role, you will translate process requirements into detailed physical layouts. You will be responsible for developing precise piping designs, isometric drawings, and material specifications necessary to ensure the safe and efficient integration of new capabilities and the sustainment of existing chemical production facilities.

Job Description
The Piping Designer will provide essential technical expertise to support the design and construction of projects aimed at increasing and sustaining chemical production capacity. This role requires a high degree of technical competence in applying piping design principles to solve complex modernization challenges within a high-hazard environment. You will operate within a matrixed organization, coordinating closely with the Engineering Manager and Process Engineers to translate P&IDs into actionable construction documents.

A primary focus of this position is the creation of comprehensive piping packages. You will analyze current production process steps, determine optimal routing, and select appropriate materials to ensure system integrity and regulatory compliance. This role offers a unique opportunity for career growth in the specialized energetics industry, with pathways available for both technical mastery and design leadership.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Planning & Design

• Develop detailed piping layouts, 3D models, and 2D fabrication drawings (isometrics and plan views).
• Translate Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) into physical piping arrangements.
• Create detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) and material take-offs to support procurement and budgeting.
• Perform piping stress analysis and support design to ensure system stability and safety.
• Conduct "Analysis of Alternatives" regarding routing and material selection to optimize cost and maintainability.

Engineering Collaboration

• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical) to ensure clash-free integration of piping with other facility systems.
• Write technical specifications for piping components, valves, and specialty fittings.
• Review and approve design packages from external vendors and equipment suppliers, providing essential constructability input.

Execution & Compliance

• Conduct facility walk-downs and field measurements (buildings, equipment, pipelines) to assess current conditions and verify "as-built" accuracy.
• Supervise subcontractor installation to ensure piping work meets defined scope, specifications, and quality standards.
• Execute commissioning plans and maintain all required technical documentation and red-lines.
• Contribute to Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) specifically regarding piping integrity and leak prevention.
• Ensure all designs are conducted in strict accordance with safety regulations, ASME codes, and quality standards.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals of piping design and the ability to apply technical knowledge to specialized chemical production processes.
• Proven ability to develop detailed design packages from conceptual P&IDs or undefined project outlines.
• Experience in a high-hazard or regulated manufacturing environment (energetics/chemical experience is a significant plus).
• Ability to communicate technical design requirements effectively to internal stakeholders and government customers.
• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (Mechanical Engineering or Design Technology) preferred.
• Industry Experience: 3+ years of experience in the chemical process industry, or 6+ years of relevant industrial piping design experience.
• Design Lifecycle: Demonstrated experience in the full design lifecycle, from conceptual routing through construction and commissioning.
• Technical Breadth: Proficiency in mechanical piping systems, including pumping, HVAC, and vessel connections.
• Standards & Tools:
  • Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (e.g., ASME B31.3, UFC).
  • Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Inventor, and Plant 3D) for generating technical drawings.
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite for documentation and material tracking.
• Technical Literacy: Expert ability to read and interpret P&IDs and other engineering documents.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Education & Tenure: Degree from an accredited institution with 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial piping design for chemical facilities.
• Specialized Industry Knowledge: Deep experience in Energetics and related processes, specifically within Department of Defense (DoD) project frameworks.
• Chemical Facility Expertise: Proven track record in the design of piping systems utilizing acids, bases, and solvents for energetic material production.
• Regulatory & Safety Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of explosives site safety (DDESB) and environmental regulations (EPA, TDEC, etc.).
• Advanced Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Caesar II or similar piping stress analysis software and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to inform design feasibility.
• Operational Context: Experience providing design support within a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
• Integration Expertise: Experience managing the piping integration of Vendor Skids into complex chemical manufacturing processes.
• Hardware Knowledge: Deep familiarity with industrial valves, actuators, positioners, and specialized plant instrumentation.
• Technical Design: Ability to lead the generation of comprehensive engineering design packages to verify project scope and material requirements.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $96623 - $164259

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.