Lead Designer I&E

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer I&E

Company: Sunoco LP (part of Energy Transfer)

Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Engineering & Design (Electrical/Instrumentation/Controls)

Date Posted: March 21, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead Design & Drafting Services: Spearhead the design and drafting efforts for Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls (EIC) within capital projects, ensuring robust and compliant engineering solutions.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Oversee EIC design responsibilities from initial concept and scope definition through detailed construction drawings, bid package preparation, and final as-built documentation.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Facilitate effective communication and coordination with various internal departments (Engineering, Operations, Maintenance) and external partners (service providers, contractors, vendors) to ensure integrated project execution.

• Technical Expertise & Standards: Apply deep knowledge of industry codes (ISA, NEC, API 500), hazardous location requirements, and design software (AutoCAD, CadWorx) to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role functions as a senior technical contributor with leadership responsibilities in design for capital projects within the energy infrastructure sector. The focus is on EIC design, requiring a strong blend of technical drafting skills, project coordination, and understanding of operational and safety requirements in pipeline and terminal environments. The "Lead" title implies oversight and mentorship, though direct management of personnel isn't explicitly stated.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage multiple EIC design projects, ensuring adherence to fixed schedules and resource allocation.

• Develop initial drawings, preliminary scope definitions, and equipment specifications for capital projects.

• Create comprehensive construction drawing packages, including detailed electrical layouts, conduit routing, and light structural/concrete detailing.

• Prepare bid packages, conduct material takeoffs, and provide technical support during the bidding and procurement phases.

• Offer technical guidance and support to pipeline departments to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective installations.

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of accurate CAD files and equipment documentation according to company standards.

• Ensure all EIC designs comply with relevant codes, safety standards, project specifications, and approved work scopes.

• Manage construction inspection activities and ensure accurate as-built documentation for project closeout.

• Document facility changes and maintain compliance with the company’s Process Safety Management (PSM) program.

• Collaborate effectively with other disciplines to ensure well-coordinated and appropriate multi-disciplined project designs.

• Potentially travel to field locations for data collection, drawing verification, and construction technical assistance.

• Serve as a technical resource for resolving complex design and engineering issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant project ownership. The emphasis on coordination, technical support, and ensuring compliance points to a need for strong problem-solving and communication skills, in addition to core EIC design competencies. The mention of travel and acting as a resource suggests a senior-level individual contributor role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of design experience in Electrical/Instrumentation/Controls (EIC) required.

• Experience in a terminal/pipeline/engineering environment highly preferred.

• Previous leadership responsibilities in a design capacity are preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD: Essential for creating design drawing packages.

• EIC Design Expertise: Deep understanding of electrical, instrumentation, and controls design principles.

• Code Knowledge: Strong knowledge of ISA, NEC, and API 500 codes, with extensive experience in hazardous (classified) locations (Class 1 areas).

• Technical Support & Problem-Solving: Ability to provide effective technical support and resolve complex design issues.

• Project Coordination: Skill in managing multiple design projects within fixed schedules and deadlines.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Project, Outlook, and Excel.

Preferred Skills:

• CadWorx 3D & CadWorx P&ID: Experience with these specific CAD software packages.

• Electrical Power Distribution: Familiarity with power distribution systems (12.47-34.5kV).

• PLC Design & Networking: Experience with PLC cabinet design, wiring, industrial networking, and HMI systems.

• Instrumentation Knowledge: Familiarity with pressure, temperature, flow, level, metering, and analytical instrumentation.

• Motor Control & VFDs: Knowledge of motor control components and schematic drawing development for starters and variable frequency drives up to 5kV.

• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead design efforts or mentor junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior-level designer with practical, hands-on experience in the energy sector. The preference for specific CAD software and advanced electrical knowledge suggests a need for specialized skills beyond general drafting. The TWIC certification is a critical, non-negotiable requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Design Packages: Showcase examples of complete EIC design drawing packages for industrial projects, demonstrating adherence to standards and completeness.

• Project Execution Case Studies: Highlight projects where you led or significantly contributed to the EIC design, detailing the scope, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Technical Documentation Samples: Include examples of equipment specifications, material takeoffs, technical support documentation, and as-built drawings.

• Code Compliance Demonstrations: Provide evidence of designs that successfully met ISA, NEC, API 500, and hazardous location requirements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate experience in developing and optimizing design workflows for efficiency and accuracy.

• System Integration: Showcase understanding of how EIC designs integrate with overall project systems, including PLC, HMI, and networking.

• Standardization & Compliance: Present examples of how you ensured designs adhered to company standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.

• Documentation Management: Illustrate your approach to maintaining CAD files, equipment records, and as-built documentation throughout a project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requested, a strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating the breadth and depth of experience required for a Lead Designer role. Candidates should prepare to showcase projects that highlight their leadership in EIC design, technical problem-solving, and adherence to industry standards, particularly within the energy infrastructure context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match)

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)

• Life and disability insurance

• Potential for performance-based bonuses

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• Potential for overtime during peak project periods or to meet critical deadlines.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. Specific compensation details will be provided by Energy Transfer during the hiring process. Benefits packages in the energy sector are typically competitive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Infrastructure & Fuel Distribution. Sunoco LP, as part of Energy Transfer, operates a vast network of pipelines, terminals, and fuel distribution systems across North America, serving critical energy needs.

Company Size: Energy Transfer is a large enterprise, employing over 10,000 people globally. Sunoco LP itself is a significant entity within this structure. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for impact across a broad operational footprint.

Founded: Energy Transfer was founded in 1996, bringing decades of experience to the energy infrastructure sector. Sunoco LP has a long-standing history in fuel distribution.

Team Structure:

• The EIC design function likely operates within a broader Engineering or Project Management department.

• This role will collaborate closely with Project Managers, Electrical Engineers, Instrumentation Engineers, Field Operations personnel, Maintenance teams, and potentially external Engineering Service Providers.

Methodology:

• Project-Centric Approach: Design work is driven by capital project requirements, emphasizing timely and compliant execution.

• Safety First Culture: Strong adherence to Process Safety Management (PSM) and hazardous location regulations is paramount.

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing established codes, standards, and best practices to inform design decisions.

• Collaboration and Coordination: Emphasis on effective communication across disciplines and with operational stakeholders to ensure designs meet functional and safety requirements.

Company Website: https://www.energytransfer.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on energy infrastructure implies a demanding, safety-conscious, and technically rigorous work environment. The size of Energy Transfer suggests robust internal processes and a structured approach to project execution, which candidates should be prepared for.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level individual contributor role within the engineering and design function. It requires significant technical expertise and the ability to lead design efforts for complex capital projects. It bridges the gap between detailed design and project execution, offering a path for experienced designers to gain broader project responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer I&E will likely report to a manager overseeing the Engineering Design or Project Management department. They will work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, and field personnel, acting as a key technical point of contact for EIC design aspects.

Operations Impact: The EIC designs created by this role directly impact the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Energy Transfer's critical pipeline and terminal infrastructure. Accurate and compliant designs minimize operational risks, reduce downtime, ensure regulatory adherence, and contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness of capital investments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of EIC design, such as advanced control systems, hazardous area classifications, or high-voltage distribution.

• Project Leadership: Transition into roles with greater project management responsibility or lead larger, more complex EIC design initiatives.

• Mentorship: Serve as a technical mentor and subject matter expert for junior designers and engineers.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potentially move into project engineering, operations support, or technical consulting roles within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement for experienced EIC designers, focusing on technical leadership and project impact within a large, established energy company. The opportunities lean towards deepening technical expertise and taking on more significant project responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in San Antonio, Texas, and is an on-site position. The work environment will likely be a professional office setting within Energy Transfer's facilities.

Office Location(s): San Antonio, Texas, United States. Specific office address details would be provided by the company.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Space: The office environment will likely support collaborative work, with access to design stations, meeting rooms, and potentially shared project areas.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, CadWorx, Microsoft Project) and IT infrastructure necessary for project work.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with engineers, project managers, and other design professionals, fostering a team-oriented approach to project delivery.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility in daily hours may be possible, but the role requires consistent on-site presence.

• Candidates should anticipate potential overtime during critical project phases to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving detailed design, collaboration, and potential field verification. The San Antonio location places the role within a key operational hub for energy infrastructure in Texas.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for minimum qualifications, including experience, education, and TWIC certification.

• Technical Interview: Candidates will likely have a detailed discussion with hiring managers and senior EIC engineers to assess technical knowledge, design experience, and problem-solving skills. This may involve reviewing past projects and discussing design methodologies.

• Portfolio Review: Be prepared to present and discuss your portfolio, highlighting specific EIC design projects, your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Focus on projects relevant to pipelines, terminals, and hazardous locations.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assess communication skills, teamwork, ability to handle pressure, and alignment with Energy Transfer's safety and operational culture.

• Final Offer: Based on the collective assessment of the candidate's qualifications and fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 3-5 of your strongest EIC design projects, prioritizing those in the energy sector, pipelines, terminals, or involving hazardous locations.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project Scope & Objectives
  • Your Specific Role & Responsibilities
  • Key Design Challenges (technical, regulatory, schedule)
  • Solutions Implemented (design choices, software used, code compliance)
  • Achieved Outcomes (efficiency gains, safety improvements, cost savings, successful project completion)

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly demonstrate your proficiency in AutoCAD, CadWorx (if applicable), NEC, ISA, API 500, and hazardous area design.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to show the impact of your designs (e.g., "reduced installation time by X%", "ensured compliance with Y standard," "supported a project valued at $Z million").

• Be Prepared to Discuss Drawings: Have digital copies or high-resolution printouts of key drawings (schematics, layouts, P&IDs) ready to discuss in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential technical assessments or scenario-based questions related to EIC design challenges, code interpretation, or problem-solving in a project context.

• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role, expect a thorough review of technical capabilities and project experience. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating suitability and making a strong impression during the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Mandatory for creating and managing design drawing packages.

• CadWorx 3D & CadWorx P&ID: Preferred for advanced 3D modeling and P&ID creation, indicating a need for proficiency if candidates possess this experience.

• Microsoft Project: Utilized for project scheduling and coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how EIC designs integrate with plant control systems (PLCs, DCS) and SCADA systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD is a baseline requirement. Experience with CadWorx suite is a significant advantage. Familiarity with industrial control systems and data management within project lifecycles is also valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: A paramount value in the energy sector. Expect a strong emphasis on Process Safety Management (PSM), adherence to hazardous location codes, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.

• Integrity: Operating with honesty and ethical conduct, especially in critical infrastructure projects.

• Reliability: Ensuring that designs contribute to the dependable and continuous operation of pipelines and terminals.

• Efficiency: Driving cost-effective and timely project execution through optimized design processes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, including engineers, operations, maintenance, and external partners.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expect a collaborative environment where input from various disciplines (electrical, instrumentation, mechanical, civil) and stakeholders (operations, maintenance) is valued.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages clear, concise, and timely communication, especially regarding design decisions, potential issues, and project status.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share expertise and learn from colleagues, particularly in resolving complex technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values likely mirror the high standards of the energy industry, prioritizing safety, compliance, and effective teamwork. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they translate into daily work practices for an EIC designer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Project Demands: Managing multiple complex EIC design projects simultaneously under tight deadlines and budget constraints.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring all designs strictly comply with evolving industry codes (ISA, NEC, API 500) and hazardous location classifications.

• Integrating Legacy and New Systems: Designing solutions that effectively integrate with existing infrastructure while incorporating new technologies.

• Field Verification and Coordination: Potentially needing to travel to field sites to gather data or verify existing conditions, which can involve challenging environments.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Resolving intricate design issues that arise during project development, requiring deep technical knowledge and creative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific EIC design areas, software, or industry standards.

• Project Leadership Development: Gaining experience in leading design teams and managing project scope from conception to completion.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning about other engineering disciplines and operational aspects of the energy infrastructure business.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications that enhance professional standing and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant technical challenges within a critical industry, fostering professional growth through hands-on experience and continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Describe your process for developing an EIC design package for a capital project. How do you ensure all requirements are met?" "Walk me through a complex EIC design challenge you faced and how you resolved it."

• Code Compliance & Safety: "How do you ensure your designs comply with NEC, ISA, and API 500 standards, especially in hazardous locations?" "What is your approach to Process Safety Management in design?"

• Software Proficiency: "Describe your experience with AutoCAD and CadWorx. What are their key advantages for EIC design?"

• Leadership & Collaboration: "How do you coordinate EIC design efforts with other disciplines and stakeholders?" "Describe a time you mentored a junior designer or resolved a conflict within a project team."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Energy Transfer and specifically in the pipeline/terminal sector?"

• "How do you prioritize safety in your design work?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the positive outcome (safety, efficiency, compliance).

• Technical Depth: Be ready to explain the technical rationale behind your design choices and demonstrate your understanding of the relevant codes and standards.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight instances where you took initiative, led design efforts, or mentored others.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of strong technical skills, practical experience in EIC design for industrial projects, a commitment to safety, and the ability to collaborate effectively. A well-prepared portfolio is key to showcasing these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer I&E position:

• Submit your application through the Energy Transfer careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of EIC design experience, specifically mentioning projects in the energy, pipeline, or terminal sectors. Emphasize your proficiency in AutoCAD, knowledge of ISA/NEC/API 500 codes, and experience with hazardous locations. Clearly state your TWIC certification status.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest EIC design projects. Ensure you can clearly articulate your role, the technical challenges, your design solutions, and the project outcomes, focusing on safety and efficiency.

• Research Energy Transfer: Familiarize yourself with Sunoco LP and Energy Transfer's operations, values, and commitment to safety. Understand the importance of pipelines and terminals in their business operations.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions about your technical expertise, design process, problem-solving abilities, and experience with relevant software and codes.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.