Piping Designer Student

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Canadian Natural Resources is seeking a Piping Designer Student for a 12-month term at the Horizon Oil Sands site in Calgary or Fort McMurray, with a 4 days on 3 days off, 10 hour shifts starting January or May 2027. You will support engineers on brownfield and greenfield projects by preparing P&IDs, piping layouts, 3D modelling and isometrics, and by conducting field walkdowns while coordinating across mechanical, piping, civil, electrical and process teams in a safety sensitive environment. To stand out, show enrollment in Mechanical or Civil programs or related design tech, eligibility for a co-op, hands-on CAD experience (AutoCAD plus Plant 3D or MicroStation), and strong communication and teamwork. Include resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts; highlight safety mindset and eagerness to learn.

The Opportunity:

Are you a student looking for an exciting opportunity that is full of meaningful, diverse, and ambitious assignments working alongside industry leading professionals? Join Canadian Natural, where we strive to provide opportunities based on your abilities, helping you to contribute in a meaningful way and apply your academic experience to challenging and rewarding projects!

We are seeking a motivated Designer Student to join our Engineering team. Working alongside experienced engineers and designers, you will contribute to the development and execution of engineering work orders and projects supporting oil sands operations. This position provides hands-on exposure to industrial facilities, engineering design, and multidisciplinary teamwork.

• Job location:  Calgary or Fort McMurray, Alberta – Horizon Oil Sands Site
• Shift schedule: Horizon Oil Sands: 4 days on, 3 days off, 10 hour-shifts (Monday – Thursday)
• Term length: 12 Months 
• Term starts: January or May 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities:

• Prepare and revise engineering drawings including P&IDs, general arrangements, piping layouts ,3D modelling, and isometrics using CAD software tools 
• Support engineers in developing design packages for brownfield and greenfield projects
• Participate in field walkdowns to verify existing plant conditions and collect engineering data
• Update engineering drawings and technical documentation to maintain accurate records
• Assist with 3D model reviews and identify constructability or design clashes
• Coordinate with mechanical, piping, civil, electrical, instrumentation, and process engineering teams
• Ensure designs comply with company standards, industry codes, and HSE requirements
• Support Management of Change (MOC) documentation and engineering deliverables
• Assist with material take-offs (MTOs), technical reports, and design calculations
• Participate in design reviews, safety meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives

What You Bring to The Role:

• Currently enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Drafting & Design Technology, Civil Engineering, or a related program
• Eligible to participate in a registered co-op or internship program
• Experience with AutoCAD; familiarity with Plant 3D, MicroStation, CADWorx, or similar software is an asset
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, drafting standards, and industrial design principles
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Willingness to work in both office and operating plant environments
• Commitment to safe work practices and continuous learning
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook). Previous industrial experience is an asset but not required

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Quality camp facilities with multiple amenities available 
• Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
• May be eligible for relocation to Calgary, Edmonton or Fort McMurray pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Relocation Policy
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
• Opportunities to partake in initiatives such as the Intern Social Committee

Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS overview to see what we have to offer!

If you are interested in this exciting student work term opportunity, please include your resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts as part of your online application.

All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. This posting will close once a successful candidate has been selected.

Canadian Natural operates one of the largest Campus Recruitment programs in the country, hiring over 400 students every year. Students hired on with us are made to feel a part of the team, gaining high level experience, knowledge, and training that introduces and prepares them for full-time employment. 

We are proud to share that Canadian Natural has been ranked as a Top Employer for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Canada's Future Workforce and also one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.

Industry Leader: We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d. 

Community Investment: Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.

Compensation and Benefits: We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.

Our People, Our Stories: Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural – one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

Check out some of our Student Testimonials!