Piping Lead
Location: Reading, UK (Onsite)
Contract: 12 Months (Inside IR35)
Hours: 40 hours per week (Core Hours: 09:00 - 15:30)
Working Pattern: 4 Days Onsite | 1 Day WFH
We are seeking an experienced Piping & Pipelines Lead to join a major engineering project in Reading. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled mechanical engineering professional with extensive expertise in piping and pipeline design, engineering, fabrication, quality, and mechanical integrity.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and provide technical expertise across all aspects of piping and pipeline engineering, including large bore and high-alloy process and utility piping systems, pipelines, storage vessels, and tanks.
- Develop, own, and optimise project piping and pipeline standards, specifications, and pipe classes to ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective designs.
- Review critical engineering deliverables and calculations, ensuring compliance with regulatory, industry, and project standards while identifying opportunities for value enhancement.
- Provide technical oversight to contractor-led design, analysis, maintenance, and engineering activities for piping and pipeline systems.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to proactively identify risks, resolve technical issues, and support project delivery.
- Apply expert knowledge of piping stress analysis and mechanical integrity principles to optimise designs and improve performance.
- Assess the suitability and continued operation of existing piping systems using fitness-for-service methodologies and risk-based decision-making principles.
- Support engineering surveillance, technology deployment, equipment criticality assessments, and project optimisation initiatives.
Required Experience & Skills
- Extensive experience in piping and pipeline engineering within refining, petrochemical, energy, or process industries.
- Strong knowledge of piping design, engineering standards, fabrication, materials selection, and mechanical integrity assessment.
- Understanding of mechanical considerations associated with:
- Steam cracking units
- High-pressure hydroprocessing
- Sulphur and amine services
- Refinery and process plant operations
- Proven experience during Pre-FEED, FEED, and detailed design phases.
- Expertise in piping stress analysis and fitness-for-service assessments.
- Ability to evaluate deviations to standards using risk-based methodologies and provide practical engineering guidance.
If you're an experienced Piping & Pipelines Lead looking for your next contract opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Lead Piping Engineer in Reading employer: Belcan
Belcan is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of Glasgow's shipbuilding industry. With a strong emphasis on mentorship for junior designers and leadership opportunities for seasoned professionals, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to cutting-edge marine projects. The dynamic environment not only promotes teamwork but also offers a chance to tackle exciting technical challenges, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
