Piping is an area of engineering that involves designing and constructing pipes to carry water or other fluids. Piping engineers may work within a company that specialises in piping, or a broader engineering business. There are a variety of permanent and contract jobs available. Some of the biggest piping companies in the UK include AMEC and Bechtel. Both companies have offices around the world and in most major British cities. However, there are also many smaller companies that serve different areas of the country.
To find employment in piping, you will usually require relevant qualifications. Some of the most suitable degrees include civil engineering, mechanical engineering or more specifically pipe engineering. The job involves creative and analytical skills. Piping engineers are expected to use technical drawing skills to draft piping systems, and to be able to understand and express the scientific reasoning and logic behind their design decisions.
Most engineering companies, especially the large corporations, use recruitment agencies to find new employees. Starting salaries are around £20,00 per year for a support engineer, while senior staff can earn £60,000, and a chief engineer could receive £125,000. In a more senior position, there is the opportunity to travel abroad, but also the responsibility of supervising a team.