Refrigeration Specialist (Engineer)

Overview

We are seeking a Refrigeration Specialist (Engineer) to join our Facilities Mechanical Department and provide technical expertise in the planning, design, analysis, and implementation of industrial and commercial refrigeration systems. In this role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop innovative, energy-efficient, and code-compliant refrigeration solutions from concept through construction. You will help coach and mentor project teams and work directly with clients to solve challenging engineering problems while supporting SSOE's commitment to quality, safety, and technical excellence. The Refrigeration Specialist will serve as a subject matter expert for refrigeration and thermal process systems supporting complex industrial, manufacturing, food and beverage, cold storage, life sciences, and advanced technology facilities.

Responsibilities

The following duties are typical of the position but are not all encompassing. Responsibilities include those required to deliver quality service on schedule and within budget in a team environment.

 

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the lead refrigeration engineering specialist on facility design projects.
• Develop refrigeration system concepts, calculations, specifications, and detailed designs for a variety of industrial and commercial applications.
• Perform refrigeration load calculations, system modeling, equipment sizing, and energy analyses.
• Provide expertise in ammonia, CO₂, glycol, HFC/HFO, and other refrigeration technologies.
• Support refrigeration equipment selection, system optimization, load analysis, and energy modeling efforts.
• Establish and maintain refrigeration design standards, best practices, and technical resources for project teams.
• Review engineering deliverables to ensure compliance with client requirements, industry standards, and applicable codes.

Project Delivery

• Lead refrigeration system design activities throughout planning, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Coordinate refrigeration designs with mechanical, electrical, process, structural, architectural, and controls disciplines.
• Prepare and review:
• Refrigeration load calculations
• Equipment schedules
• Piping layouts and P&IDs
  • Technical specifications:
    • Basis of Design documents
    • Construction drawings and details
    • Support project cost estimating, scheduling, and risk assessments.
    • Participate in design reviews, constructability evaluations, and value engineering efforts.

Client Engagement

• Collaborate directly with clients to understand operational requirements and business objectives.
• Present technical solutions and recommendations to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Support proposal development, technical presentations, and business development activities.
• Act as a trusted advisor on refrigeration system performance, sustainability, reliability, and operational excellence.

Commissioning & Field Support

• Provide construction administration and technical support during installation and startup.
• Participate in field investigations, facility assessments, troubleshooting, and system commissioning.
• Review contractor submittals, RFIs, and equipment shop drawings.
• Assist with performance testing and validation of refrigeration systems.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Technical expertise in refrigeration and thermal systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to evaluate emerging refrigeration technologies and industry trends.
• Project leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Client-focused consulting mindset.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in refrigeration system design, engineering, or consulting.
• Strong knowledge of industrial and commercial refrigeration systems and equipment.
• Experience with refrigeration load calculations, piping design, equipment selection, and controls integration.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards including IIAR, ASHRAE, International Mechanical Code (IMC), and other relevant industry standards.
• Proficiency with engineering calculations, design software, and BIM/CAD platforms.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Salary Range: $100,000 to $115,000 a year depending on location, education, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.
• Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K, PTO & paid holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• IIAR Certification or related refrigeration industry credentials.
• Experience with:
• Ammonia refrigeration systems
• Transcritical and subcritical CO₂ systems
• Cold storage and food processing facilities
• Pharmaceutical and bioprocess environments
• Semiconductor, battery, or advanced manufacturing facilities
• Experience leading engineering teams and mentoring junior engineers.
• Energy efficiency, sustainability, or decarbonization project experience.