Refrigeration Engineer

About the role

The Refrigeration Engineer / Refrigeration Project Engineer plays a crucial role in promoting safety across Pilgrim’s facilities through the design, implementation, and oversight of ammonia refrigeration systems. This position is essential for ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and industry-specific codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement CAPEX Ammonia Refrigeration projects for all Pilgrim’s sites, including budgeting, scope development, drawings, contractor management, and project close-out.
• Design and select equipment, create piping diagrams, develop system controls, size pipes, and adhere to relevant codes and standards.
• Perform troubleshooting and provide recommendations for the safe operation of ammonia refrigeration systems and equipment.
• Complete necessary system calculations such as room & process heat loads, mass & energy balances, air balance, and psychrometrics.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM codes and standards during the design and construction of ammonia refrigeration systems and equipment.
• Participate in Management of Change procedures and standards for all changes made to the ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Conduct Process Hazards Analyses (PHAs) for Pilgrim’s sites as required and help resolve related issues.
• Investigate incidents involving ammonia leaks using Root Cause Analysis and contribute to the improvement of PSM/RMP programs.
• Maintain knowledge of new refrigeration codes and standards and update Process Safety Information accordingly.
• Travel to Pilgrim’s sites to ensure proper operation, safety, and compliance with regulations.
• Participate in the safe implementation and construction of ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Support the continuous improvement of PSM/RMP programs at various sites.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing and constructing ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Basic knowledge of thermodynamic systems and operations.
• Experience with six sigma, TPM, OE, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of APSM or similar PSM compliance software.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and BFDs.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Detailed orientation and self-motivation.
• Proven project management and change management skills.
• Ability to apply and interpret regulatory standards and consensus standards.
• Proven ability to respond to crises effectively and promptly.
• Willingness to travel and relocate to a Pilgrim’s facility or nearby location.

Benefits

• Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage starting after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays.
• 401(k): company match beginning after the first year of service.
• Base Salary range of $108,714.00 - 132,086.70.
• Incentive Pay: eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan.
• Career Development: continuous learning opportunities and career growth programs.

About Pilgrim’s

Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with over 62,000 team members worldwide. We process, prepare, package, and deliver fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Our mission is to be the best in all that we do, focusing on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, maintaining a relationship of trust with our suppliers, achieving profitability for our shareholders, and providing opportunities for a better future for all of our team members. Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, and Sincerity. Pilgrim’s is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors by conducting drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new hires and verifying employment eligibility by the end of the third day of work. Pilgrim’s is an Equal Opportunity employer, including disability/veterans.