Senior Refrigeration Systems Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Oversee the design, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of facility and operational systems to guarantee reliability, efficiency, and business continuity.

• Offer advanced technical expertise and support for infrastructure, automation, controls, mechanical, electrical, and integrated operational systems.

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, EHS, and external vendors to identify and execute system enhancements and strategic initiatives.

• Monitor system performance, analyze trends, and devise solutions to boost uptime, reliability, capacity, and operational efficiency.

• Lead root cause analysis for system failures or operational disruptions and execute sustainable corrective and preventive measures.

• Develop and uphold engineering standards, technical documentation, operating procedures, and system specifications to ensure consistency and compliance across facilities.

• Support capital projects, equipment installations, facility upgrades, and expansion initiatives from conception through implementation and startup.

• Assess existing systems and propose modernization strategies, process improvements, and emerging technologies to meet operational objectives.

• Ensure adherence to applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and company standards related to system design, operation, and maintenance.

• Work with leadership to formulate long-term infrastructure and equipment replacement strategies, including budgeting and capital planning support.

• Act as a technical resource and mentor to engineering, maintenance, and operational teams by providing guidance, training, and troubleshooting assistance.

• Coordinate and manage external contractors, consultants, and vendors to ensure quality execution, project alignment, and cost-effectiveness.

• Serve as the first line of escalation support 24/7 between field sites in the region and HQ leadership teams.

• Assist with project prioritization, budgeting, vendor selection, commissioning, and operational handoff activities.

• Evaluate emerging refrigeration technologies, sustainability initiatives, and energy reduction opportunities.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of industrial refrigeration or cold chain engineering experience.

• Proven expertise in ammonia and Freon refrigeration systems, HVAC/mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance programs.

• Experience in managing multi-site operations and technical teams.

• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, PSM, IIAR, energy efficiency, and automation standards.

• Experience with CMMS systems, maintenance planning, and capital project execution.

• This position requires approximately >40% travel during the initial years, with a possibility of reduced travel as the function develops and stabilizes.

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.

• RETA CIRO Certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health insurance

• Pre-tax spending accounts

• Retirement benefits

• Paid time off

• Short-term disability

• Long-term disability

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Life insurance