Piping Material Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of industrial construction, the importance of a Piping Material Specialist cannot be overstated.

As industries continue to advance, the demand for professionals who can select, assess and procure the appropriate materials for piping systems grows progressively.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Piping Material Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager attempting to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner mechanics of piping material specialization,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Piping Material Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Piping Material Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Piping Material Specialists play an essential role in the construction and maintenance of piping systems, ensuring the right materials are used and that the system complies with safety and quality standards.

The duties and responsibilities of a Piping Material Specialist may include:

• Reviewing project specifications and identifying suitable materials for the piping system
• Preparing material requisitions and purchasing orders for piping materials
• Inspecting and approving piping material samples from suppliers
• Ensuring that all materials used comply with international and company standards
• Collaborating with engineers and designers to develop piping system layouts
• Analysing potential problems and risks in the piping system and recommending mitigation strategies
• Providing technical assistance and expertise to construction and maintenance teams
• Maintaining comprehensive records of materials used, inspections performed, and other relevant project documentation
• Keeping up to date with the latest advancements in piping materials and technologies
• Conducting material take-offs (MTO) from piping drawings

 

Piping Material Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and meticulous Piping Material Specialist to join our team.

The primary role of the Piping Material Specialist is to develop, implement and maintain the piping material classes for the project in accordance with project requirements, industry standards and company guidelines.

Our ideal candidate must have extensive knowledge of piping material specifications, excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project specific piping material specifications
• Create and maintain piping material class data sheets
• Ensure the compliance of piping materials with industry standards and project requirements
• Coordinate with procurement team for the selection and procurement of required materials
• Provide technical support to project team regarding piping materials
• Review vendor offers for piping material and provide technical evaluation
• Interface with engineering disciplines, suppliers and construction team
• Update and maintain material tracking system
• Prepare and maintain material take off estimates

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Piping Material Specialist or similar role
• Extensive knowledge of piping material specifications and industry standards
• Experience with material management software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Piping Material Specialist
• Work Environment: This job generally requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment, and to visit construction sites or factories for material inspection.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Piping Engineering Manager or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Piping Material Specialist Do?

Piping Material Specialists primarily work within industries related to oil, gas, and petrochemicals, as well as in engineering and construction firms.

They can also work as independent consultants.

These specialists are responsible for selecting and specifying the materials used for piping systems.

This involves determining the appropriate type, size, and grade of pipes and related materials to be used in different systems, considering factors such as the materials’ resistance to temperature, pressure, and chemical reactions.

They work closely with design and engineering teams, providing expert advice on material selection to meet design requirements and ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of the piping systems.

Piping Material Specialists also oversee the procurement of materials, ensuring that they meet the specified standards and are delivered on time for project schedules.

In addition, they may also be responsible for the inspection and testing of materials, identification of defects or non-compliance, and the recommendation of corrective actions.

These professionals continuously monitor advancements in materials technology and industry standards, adapting their specifications and processes to meet evolving requirements and improve system performance.

 

Piping Material Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Piping Material Specialist should possess the following skills and qualifications to adequately perform their job role:

• Thorough understanding of piping material specifications, standards, and codes such as ASME, ASTM, ANSI, API, etc., to select the right materials for specific projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and rectify any issues that may arise concerning the materials used in piping systems.
• Effective communication skills to explain complex piping material concepts to other team members, and to liaise effectively with suppliers and clients.
• Ability to work with computer-aided design (CAD) software and other relevant software used in the industry for efficient design and analysis of piping systems.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure that material selection complies with all applicable standards and regulations, and that no errors are made in the design or installation of piping systems.
• Knowledge of corrosion processes and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure the longevity of the piping systems.
• Experience in the evaluation of suppliers and materials, and in the preparation of material purchase specifications and requisitions.
• Excellent organization and project management skills to effectively plan and manage projects, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget.

 

Piping Material Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Piping Material Specialists may have 1 to 2 years of experience.

This may be often through an internship or part-time role in mechanical, chemical or petroleum engineering firms, where they would have gained practical exposure to piping materials and their applications.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience should have a comprehensive knowledge of piping and valve materials and standards, as well as experience in creating material specifications.

They may have also developed their technical skills through roles such as Mechanical Engineer, Material Analyst or similar roles in the piping industry.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in piping material specialization are often experts in their field.

They have advanced knowledge of various piping materials, their properties, performance, and cost.

They are also well-versed with international standards such as ASME, ASTM, API, and ISO.

Professionals with 5 to 10 years of experience may have some project management or team leadership experience in their portfolio, making them suitable candidates for supervisory roles within the engineering or oil and gas industry.

Additionally, those with over 10 years of experience are often considered industry veterans who are capable of strategic decision-making roles, including material sourcing and procurement, project planning and execution, and team management.

 

Piping Material Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Piping Material Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, or a related field.

They are expected to have a strong understanding of piping materials and equipment, along with familiarity with piping codes and standards such as ASME, ASTM, API, and others.

Specific training or courses in areas such as piping design, materials procurement, and inspection techniques are also beneficial.

Some positions may require Piping Material Specialists to have a master’s degree in engineering or a related discipline, particularly for roles that involve complex projects or leadership responsibilities.

Certifications from recognized bodies like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the American Petroleum Institute (API) can also be advantageous.

These demonstrate a candidate’s competence in the field and dedication to continuous learning.

In addition to formal education and certification, practical experience in a related field, such as pipeline construction or maintenance, is often highly valued by employers.

 

Piping Material Specialist Salary Expectations

A Piping Material Specialist earns an average salary of $80,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, and the location of the job.

Different industries can also offer varied pay scales for this role.

 

Piping Material Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Piping Material Specialist need?

A Piping Material Specialist needs a strong technical knowledge of piping materials, including their characteristics, specifications, and applications.

They should have excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills to identify material defects and propose solutions.

Additionally, they should be proficient in using computer-aided design (CAD) software and have excellent communication skills to present technical information clearly.

 

Do Piping Material Specialists need a degree?

Typically, Piping Material Specialists should possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

However, significant work experience in the piping industry may also be considered.

Certain positions may also require industry-specific certifications or training.

 

What should you look for in a Piping Material Specialist resume?

When reviewing a Piping Material Specialist resume, look for a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, as well as certifications related to piping or materials engineering.

Experience with CAD software, material selection, and corrosion management is also important.

Also, consider their experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration, as these are essential aspects of the role.

 

What qualities make a good Piping Material Specialist?

A good Piping Material Specialist is analytical, detail-oriented, and has a thorough understanding of different piping materials and their applications.

They should be able to work well in a team and communicate effectively with different stakeholders.

Additionally, they should have good problem-solving skills to identify issues with materials and propose effective solutions.

 

Is it difficult to hire Piping Material Specialists?

Hiring a Piping Material Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a combination of education, technical skills, and industry experience, which may limit the pool of qualified candidates.

Therefore, it is important to provide competitive compensation and create a conducive work environment to attract and retain top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complex web of being a piping material specialist.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about knowing your pipes.

It’s about building the infrastructure of tomorrow, one pipe at a time.

With our comprehensive piping material specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why rest on your laurels?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every pipe is part of a larger infrastructure.

Let’s construct that future. Together.