Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer - Electrical and Instrumentation (E/I)

Company: Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Location: Carson, California, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Design Operations

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with 4+ in E/I)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the design and development of Electrical and Instrumentation (E/I) systems within a refinery environment, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

• The position requires proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and the creation of comprehensive bid/construction packages to support engineering projects.

• Key responsibilities include managing project timelines, generating detailed bills of materials, and collaborating with various stakeholders to acquire necessary project data.

• The Lead Designer will be instrumental in developing and modifying E/I drawings, ensuring accurate engineering and construction documentation from concept to as-built stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Lead Designer," the responsibilities and experience requirements suggest a senior-level individual contributor role focused on specialized E/I design within the energy sector, rather than a direct people management leadership position. The emphasis is on technical design expertise and project execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop cost-effective E/I project designs by understanding project requirements and recommending optimal discipline-specific routing, considering construction practices, regulatory factors, ergonomics, material limitations, and safety protocols.

• Create concise and coherent bid/construction packages by leveraging knowledge of industry standards and CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Raster Design, SmartPlant Instrumentation) for accurate engineering and construction documentation.

• Develop detailed bills of materials (BOMs) using current company standards and industry best practices to support accurate cost estimations for projects.

• Acquire necessary data and information for successful designs by communicating with internal and external contacts, conducting site visits, utilizing point cloud data, and reviewing historical drawings.

• Perform field visits and coordinate with craftsmen to verify instrument termination points, electrical spares, and obtain precise measurements, dimensions, and routings.

• Manage multiple programs, projects, and assignments efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively, ensuring project schedules and milestones are met and developing strategies for fast-tracking critical areas.

• Develop and modify instrumentation installation, wiring, termination, and construction drawings using AutoCAD, Raster Design, and SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) to produce accurate engineering and construction documentation.

• Identify and develop instrument cable routing, termination, marshalling, and DCS I/O connections from field instrumentation to the designated control system point, adhering to refinery standards.

• Develop instrumentation installation details, support details, mounting arrangements, and material requirements to ensure safe, constructible, and maintainable field installations.

• Prepare complete instrumentation construction packages from initial concept through Issued for Construction (IFC) and final As-Built documentation, incorporating design reviews, construction revisions, and field redlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The repetitive nature of one bullet point regarding managing multiple programs suggests a potential oversight in the original job description. This enhanced version consolidates the core intent of managing projects efficiently and safely. The responsibilities heavily lean into technical design execution, data acquisition, and documentation for E/I systems in an industrial setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED (must be obtained/completed prior to start date). Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of design experience supporting an Engineering department.

• At least 4 of those years must be focused specifically on Electrical and Instrumentation (E/I) in a refinery, petrochemical, or a closely related industrial industry. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD for drafting and design.

• Expertise in Raster Design for image manipulation and CAD integration.

• Ability to perform all necessary field visits and physically perform tasks in the field, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Possession of a valid driver's license.

• Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for future VISA sponsorship.

• Understanding of refinery standards and safety protocols relevant to E/I design. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) is highly preferred.

• Experience with point cloud data utilization for design purposes.

• Familiarity with DCS I/O connections and control system architecture.

• Knowledge of ergonomics and material limitations in industrial design.

• Experience managing project schedules and developing fast-tracking strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (8+ years with 4+ in a specific discipline) and the emphasis on established industrial design software (AutoCAD, Raster Design) and industry-specific knowledge (refinery standards, E/I) indicate a role that requires seasoned technical expertise and practical, hands-on experience in a demanding operational environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed E/I design projects, emphasizing the application of AutoCAD and Raster Design for creating construction-ready documentation.

• Include examples of Bills of Materials (BOMs) developed for projects, demonstrating accuracy and adherence to company standards.

• Present case studies of E/I design packages, highlighting how project needs were understood and translated into cost-effective, constructible solutions.

• Demonstrate experience in managing project timelines and ensuring milestones were achieved, with specific examples of strategies used for fast-tracking. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of E/I drawing development, from initial concept through Issued for Construction (IFC) and final As-Built documentation, illustrating the iterative design process.

• Showcase documentation related to instrument cable routing, termination, marshalling, and DCS I/O connections, detailing adherence to refinery standards.

• Include documentation for instrumentation installation details, support details, and mounting arrangements, emphasizing safety, constructibility, and maintainability.

• Present evidence of field verification processes, including coordination with craftsmen and redlining of drawings based on field conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not only display technical proficiency in CAD software but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the E/I design lifecycle within an industrial context, including constructability, safety, and documentation accuracy for complex projects like those in a refinery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Salary: $80,800 - $121,200 USD

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided pay min/max ($80,800 - $121,200) for the "Lead Designer" role in Carson, California. It reflects the experience level (8+ years, with 4+ in E/I), the specialized nature of E/I design in the refinery sector, and the cost of living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Access to comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Vision insurance coverage.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, personal time, and sick leave.

• 401k matching program to support retirement savings.

• Paid parental leave for new parents.

• Educational reimbursement for continued learning and professional development.

• Eligibility for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program. Working Hours:

• Core business hours are 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

• The position operates on either a 9/80 or 5/40 work schedule.

• Must be able to work after hours as needed and support Turnarounds (TAR) once per year.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is directly from the job posting. The benefits listed are also explicitly mentioned, offering a robust package typical for large industrial companies. The working hours detail the schedule options and the need for flexibility, which is common in operational roles supporting continuous processes like refineries.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Oil and Gas / Energy (Refining)

• Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading integrated downstream energy company. Its operations include refining, marketing, and midstream logistics. The Carson/Wilmington refinery is a significant asset in MPC's portfolio, processing crude oil into various refined products. This industry context means a strong emphasis on safety, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Marathon Petroleum Corporation is a Fortune 500 company with tens of thousands of employees globally).

• For operations professionals, this means access to extensive resources, established processes, and opportunities for specialized career development. It also implies a structured environment with clear hierarchies and performance expectations.

Founded: Marathon Petroleum Corporation was founded in 2005 as a spin-off from Marathon Oil. The Carson refinery itself has a long operational history within the energy sector.

• This history suggests a company with deep roots in the industry, a wealth of institutional knowledge, and a commitment to long-term operational excellence. Team Structure:

• The Lead Designer will likely be part of a broader Engineering department, specifically within the Electrical and Instrumentation discipline.

• This team may include other designers, engineers (E/I, process, mechanical), project managers, and technicians.

• Collaboration is expected with various departments, including Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Project Execution teams.

• The reporting structure will likely place the Lead Designer under an Engineering Manager or a Senior E/I Engineer. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Designs are informed by project requirements, field data, historical records, and safety/regulatory standards. Emphasis on accuracy and constructibility.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on creating efficient workflows for design development, package creation, and documentation revision to meet project schedules and budgets.

• Automation & Efficiency: While the core role is design, efficiency is achieved through proficient use of CAD tools, developing accurate BOMs, and clear documentation to minimize rework and field issues.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding MPC's position as a major energy player is crucial. The operations environment in a refinery is highly regulated and safety-critical, shaping the company's culture and the expectations for its technical staff. The team structure implies a collaborative, yet structured, engineering environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Technical Specialist

• This role represents a senior position within the E/I design function. It demands significant technical expertise and the ability to work independently, manage complex design tasks, and mentor junior designers if applicable. The "Lead" title suggests a level of responsibility beyond a standard designer, potentially involving oversight of design quality and process adherence for specific projects. Reporting Structure:

• The Lead Designer will report to a higher-level engineering manager or lead engineer within the E/I discipline.

• This structure allows for guidance on complex technical challenges and project prioritization while granting autonomy in day-to-day design execution. Operations Impact:

• The designs produced by the Lead Designer directly impact the safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of refinery operations. Accurate and constructible E/I designs are critical for the successful execution of capital projects, turnarounds, and minor modifications, ultimately supporting the company's production goals and profitability. Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in E/I design for the oil and gas industry, potentially specializing in specific areas like distributed control systems (DCS), safety instrumented systems (SIS), or advanced instrumentation.

• Project Management: Transition into project management roles by leveraging experience in managing project schedules, budgets, and stakeholder communication.

• Engineering Leadership: Advance to supervisory or management roles within the E/I engineering or design department, overseeing teams and strategic design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on diverse projects and collaborating with other engineering disciplines, operations, and maintenance teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title, combined with the required experience, positions this role as a stepping stone for further technical leadership or project management within MPC's engineering and operations framework. The emphasis on refinery operations means that career growth is tied to the successful and safe execution of projects within this specific industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site Refinery Engineering Office

• The role is based at the Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Los Angeles Refinery in Carson/Wilmington, California. This implies working within a dedicated engineering office environment located at or near the refinery facilities. Office Location(s):

• 2350 E 223rd St, Carson, California. This location is within the refinery complex or adjacent to it, requiring on-site presence. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The engineering office will foster collaboration among E/I designers, engineers, and project teams. Regular meetings, design reviews, and information sharing sessions are expected.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Raster Design, potentially SPI), office productivity suites (Microsoft 365), and potentially specialized refinery-specific design tools or databases.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact closely with field personnel, operations staff, and maintenance teams to gather information, conduct site verifications, and ensure designs meet practical operational needs.

Work Schedule:

• Core business hours are 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

• Employees can choose between a 9/80 (9 days working, 8 days off, over two weeks) or a 5/40 (5 days working, 4 days off, over one week) schedule.

• Flexibility is required to work after hours as needed and to support annual Turnarounds (TAR), which are critical maintenance periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at a refinery means the environment is industrial and safety-focused. While the designer role is office-based, proximity to operations is key for effective design and verification. The flexible work schedule options are a significant perk, but the need for after-hours work and TAR support highlights the operational demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application for minimum qualifications (education, experience, specific software proficiency).

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussion about E/I design principles, experience with AutoCAD, Raster Design, and potentially SPI. Questions may focus on problem-solving scenarios related to refinery E/I design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present examples from their portfolio, showcasing their design work, process understanding, and ability to articulate technical solutions. This will involve discussing specific projects, design choices, and outcomes.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Assessment of soft skills, teamwork, communication, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit with Marathon Petroleum Corporation's values.

• On-site Visit/Final Interview: Potentially an on-site visit to the refinery or engineering office to meet the team and hiring manager, reinforcing the on-site nature of the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your E/I design expertise, particularly those involving refineries or similar industrial settings.

• Highlight CAD Proficiency: For each project, clearly show examples of your work in AutoCAD and Raster Design, explaining your role and the complexity of the drawings.

• Detail Design Process: Explain your approach to understanding project needs, incorporating safety and regulatory requirements, developing BOMs, and ensuring constructibility.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to describe the impact of your designs (e.g., cost savings, reduction in rework, improved safety factors).

• Be Ready to Discuss SPI: If you have SPI experience, be prepared to discuss its application and how it integrates with other design tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical E/I design challenge, such as designing cable tray routing for a specific area or detailing instrument connections for a process unit. Focus on your thought process, safety considerations, and adherence to standards.

• Software Proficiency Test: You may be given a task within AutoCAD or Raster Design to assess your practical skills.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would resolve conflicting design requirements, address field redlines, or troubleshoot design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical design skills and practical application. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's experience with E/I design in industrial settings, especially refineries, will be paramount. The "Lead" aspect may involve questions about how they would guide design processes or ensure quality.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting, design creation, and modification of E/I drawings. Proficiency is a must.

• Raster Design: Used for image manipulation and integration within CAD workflows, often for incorporating legacy drawings or scanned documents.

• SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI): Preferred tool for detailed instrumentation design, including wiring, termination, and loop diagrams. Experience here is a significant advantage.

• Microsoft 365 Suite: Standard office productivity tools (Word for documentation, Excel for BOMs and data management, Outlook for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, experience with data management within BOMs and project documentation is key.

• Familiarity with systems that track design progress and revisions may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• This role does not typically involve direct CRM interaction.

• Automation in this context refers to leveraging CAD software efficiently and potentially using SPI for streamlined instrumentation design processes, rather than marketing or sales automation.

• Integration: Understanding how E/I designs integrate with other engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, civil) and with operational systems (e.g., DCS) is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around specific CAD and instrumentation design software. Proficiency in AutoCAD and Raster Design is mandatory, with SPI being a strong differentiator. The emphasis is on the tools used for technical design and documentation in an industrial engineering context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: Paramount in the energy sector. Expect a culture where safety is non-negotiable, influencing all design decisions and field work.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings and project execution.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams across engineering, operations, and maintenance to achieve common goals.

• Operational Excellence: Commitment to efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement in all aspects of refinery operations and supporting engineering functions.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of designs, tasks, and their outcomes, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with E/I engineers, project managers, operations personnel, and maintenance technicians is essential to ensure designs are practical, safe, and meet operational needs.

• Process Review: A culture of thorough design reviews, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs and catch potential issues early.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise among team members to foster continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Marathon Petroleum Corporation, like most major energy companies, instills a strong safety culture. The values emphasize reliability, efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving, which are critical for success in a refinery environment. The collaboration style is inherently cross-functional due to the nature of capital projects and operational support.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Industrial Environment: Designing within the constraints of an active refinery, which involves strict safety protocols, limited space, existing infrastructure, and potential operational disruptions.

• Balancing Cost and Design Integrity: Developing cost-effective designs without compromising safety, functionality, or compliance with stringent industry standards.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with evolving CAD software, instrumentation technologies, and industry best practices for E/I design.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Effectively prioritizing and managing time across several concurrent design projects with varying deadlines and complexities.

• Field Verification Demands: Conducting site visits in an industrial setting, which may require specific safety training, PPE, and navigating potentially hazardous areas.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced E/I Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific E/I areas through internal training or external courses.

• Software Proficiency Enhancement: Further training on advanced features of AutoCAD, Raster Design, and particularly SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI).

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications relevant to instrumentation, electrical design, or project management in the energy sector.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced senior engineers and designers within MPC's established engineering department.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Gaining experience on significant capital projects and turnarounds within a major refinery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of senior roles in the industrial sector, emphasizing the need for resilience, technical acumen, and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and broadening project scope within the energy industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex E/I design challenge you faced in a refinery or petrochemical setting and how you resolved it." (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and technical solution.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are cost-effective while meeting all safety and regulatory requirements?" (Highlight your understanding of trade-offs and best practices.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a Bill of Materials (BOM) for an E/I project." (Detail your steps, tools used, and considerations for accuracy.)

• "How do you incorporate feedback from field personnel and craftsmen into your design revisions?" (Emphasize collaboration and practical application.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Marathon Petroleum Corporation and its operations, specifically the Los Angeles Refinery?" (Show research and interest.)

• "How do you prioritize safety in your design work?" (Connect to MPC's values and industry requirements.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment on large engineering projects." (Highlight collaboration and communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design approach (tools, methods), the solution, and the outcome.

• Visuals: Use clear screenshots of your CAD work (AutoCAD, Raster Design, SPI) to illustrate your skills. Highlight specific details like cable routing, termination diagrams, or BOM excerpts.

• Narrative: Tell a story about your projects. Explain why you made certain design choices and how they contributed to project success.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep technical knowledge of E/I design within the oil and gas context, strong practical CAD skills, and an understanding of safety and operational efficiency. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase this expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Marathon Petroleum Corporation careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8+ years of design experience, with specific emphasis on the 4+ years dedicated to Electrical and Instrumentation in refinery or petrochemical environments. Use keywords from the job description such as AutoCAD, Raster Design, SPI, BOM development, cable routing, and refinery standards.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest E/I design projects, focusing on those that demonstrate proficiency in AutoCAD, Raster Design, and ideally SmartPlant Instrumentation. Be ready to articulate your design process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work.

• Research MPC: Familiarize yourself with Marathon Petroleum Corporation's operations, safety culture, and values. Understand the context of working at a major refinery.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your technical experience, problem-solving abilities, and how you contribute to a safe and efficient work environment, using specific examples from your career.

⚠️ 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.