Arno Janse Van Rensburg
Senior Piping Designer / Piping Lead
Secunda
Summary
Senior Piping Designer with 18+ years of experience across EPC, maintenance, brownfield, greenfield, and semiconductor projects. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex piping design scopes, and deliver high‑quality 3D models, isometrics, and construction support. Strong background in BIM, CADWorx, SmartPlant, MicroStation, Navisworks, and 3D laser scanning. Known for technical excellence, problem‑solving, and driving innovation, including the rollout of new software and 3D scanning technologies. Highly reliable, self‑driven, and committed to continuous improvement and team success.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Piping Designer / Piping Lead
WOOD PLC SA
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Lead piping design team for a major emissions‑reduction project.
- Act as model owner, ensuring interdisciplinary coordination and scope alignment.
- Lead a secondary remote design team in Thailand for isometric extraction.
- Conduct BEP, 30%, 60%, and 90% internal and client model reviews.
- Facilitate post‑review sessions and ensure comment closure.
- Provide site support during construction phases, ensuring design intent is maintained.
- Issue redlines, reroutes, and technical guidance to prevent delays and claims.
- Key contributor from BEP phase to project completion (March 2025).
Senior Piping Designer / BIM Modeler / Interim Lead
MERCURY DESIGN HOUSE
01.2021 - 01.2022
- BIM modeller for Intel’s FAB34 semiconductor project (Ireland).
- Routed complex piping systems from utility floors through sub‑fab to tool connections.
- Collaborated with tool owners and multi‑discipline teams using Navisworks in real time.
- Resolved design queries directly with Intel engineering teams.
- Acted as interim lead when required.
Senior Piping Designer / Section Lead
PLANT DESIGN & PROJECT SERVICES (PDPS)
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Led piping support team for Sasol Maintenance Group.
- Provided plant support for steam plant, power generation, sulphur units, and WSA.
- Delivered shutdown support including nightshift standby.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships.
- Mentored apprentices and developed junior designers.
Senior Piping Designer / Acting Section Lead
SNC‑LAVALIN
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Developed CADWorx Plant 3D and SmartPlant Isometrics to meet client requirements.
- Introduced and rolled out 3D laser scanning technology across EPC projects in South Africa.
- Supported the Innovations Department with scanner selection and software procurement.
- Combined 3D scans with hazard identification to optimise intrinsically safe equipment selection.
- Provided modelling and administrative support across multiple projects.
- As Acting Section Lead (2018):
- Led piping maintenance team while supporting EPC projects.
- Successfully closed Sasol’s 2018 financial year‑end maintenance cycle.
Senior Piping Designer
PLANT DESIGN & PROJECT SERVICES (PDPS)
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Supported Sasol maintenance division with piping reroutes, repairs, and replacements.
- Provided on‑the‑job training to junior draughtsmen.
- Delivered nightshift and weekend emergency support.
- Focused on steam plant systems based on Babcock German specifications.
Apprentice → Junior Designer → Senior Piping Designer
RNE ENGINEERING / KENTZ
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Completed rigorous apprenticeship with 90%+ exam requirements.
- Designed new piping systems from P&IDs through layout, plot plans, and construction support.
- Delivered final design presentation to board and engineering leads to qualify as Junior Designer.
- Gained extensive brownfield experience and advanced to Senior Designer.
- Worked cross‑border in Mozambique.
- Additional Roles at RNE
- CAD & 3D software administrator
- Network & server administrator
- Managed license servers, backups, and user support
- Balanced IT administration with full‑time piping design responsibilities
Education
Grade 12 -
Hoërskool Oosterland
01.2006
Registered Professional Draughtsman - undefined
SAID M 191031
Skills
Piping Design & Layout (EPC & Maintenance)
Software Proficiency
AutoCAD 3D, CADWorx Plant/Equipment/Structure, SmartPlant 3D, SmartPlant Review, Navisworks Freedom/Manage/Simulate/I‑Construct, Autodesk BIM360, FARO Scene, Cloud2Cloud Compare, FARO Focus S Plus 150, ReCap 360, MicroStation V8 & V8 XM, PlantSpace Design 3D, PlantSpace Specification Builder, Bentley ISO Extractor, SmartPlant Isometrics, SmartPlant CloudWorks, SmartPlant I‑Configure, Advanced PC hardware & software knowledge, Network administration, Server administration
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Senior Piping Designer / Piping Lead
WOOD PLC SA
01.2022 - 01.2025
Senior Piping Designer / BIM Modeler / Interim Lead
MERCURY DESIGN HOUSE
01.2021 - 01.2022
Senior Piping Designer / Section Lead
PLANT DESIGN & PROJECT SERVICES (PDPS)
01.2020 - 01.2021
Senior Piping Designer / Acting Section Lead
SNC‑LAVALIN
01.2016 - 01.2019
Senior Piping Designer
PLANT DESIGN & PROJECT SERVICES (PDPS)
01.2015 - 01.2016
Apprentice → Junior Designer → Senior Piping Designer
RNE ENGINEERING / KENTZ
01.2007 - 01.2015
Registered Professional Draughtsman - undefined
SAID M 191031
Grade 12 -
Hoërskool Oosterland