Sr HVAC Refrigeration Technician

About the role

Responsible for the proper care, operation, and maintenance of all plant refrigeration equipment with minimal or some direct supervision. Perform operation, installation, overhaul, and preventative maintenance activities on all assigned plant equipment ensuring efficient operation.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots, repairs, and overhauls equipment such as condenser units, pumps, air handlers, heat exchangers, other environmental changing devices and other mechanical equipment.
• Responds to occasional after‑hours call‑ins to troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning equipment.
• Installs and maintains temperature control systems, electric valves, heat‑transfer equipment, ventilation, and air distribution equipment.
• Installs and replaces all types of pumps or refrigeration equipment according to prints, specifications, diagrams, or other instructions.
• Reads gauges and instruments, and adjusts mechanisms such as valves, controls, and pumps to control fluid pressure and distribution.
• Operates various refrigeration recovery equipment in compliance with EPA guidelines.
• Solders with sil‑fos and silver solder, layouts, and fits piping.
• Tests malfunctioning systems and components using electrical, mechanical, digital, and pneumatic controls.
• Maintains air make‑up systems, chillers, evaporators and drain lines.
• Orders parts and material for repairs and maintains refrigeration stock.
• Performs planned maintenance, regular servicing, and repairs to refrigeration equipment of all types, sizes, and temperature ranges.
• Initiates continuous improvement activities pertaining to facility power systems (refrigeration, steam, water).
• Assists in maintaining, installing, operating, and repairing boiler and pressure systems and related equipment.
• Detects defects and assists in initiating repairs before major breakdowns occur.
• Follows and enforces plant‑wide and equipment safety rules/procedures.
• Maintains records of repairs or equipment requiring future service.
• Coordinates work with the maintenance planner.
• Turns in Daily Activity Sheet and invoices.
• Performs any other duty assigned by management.

Requirements

• Completion of a two‑year technical college degree program for industrial refrigeration maintenance, or equivalent experience.
• Current RETA certification or equivalent as a Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO).
• Minimum 2 years of experience in operation and maintenance of refrigeration equipment with practical, demonstrated experience.
• Working knowledge of Freon, boilers, compressors, motors, pumps, sheet metal, grease, oil and belt applications.
• Basic knowledge of plant electrical AC/DC power and control systems associated with refrigeration equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work 8‑12‑hour shifts, including mandatory weekend work and occasional after‑hours emergency call‑ins.
• Physical ability to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, bend, twist, and work on catwalks, ladders, and in extreme temperatures.
• Willingness to wear approved PPE as specified by GMP standards.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform precision welding meeting food‑plant sanitary standards using MIG wire‑feed and heli‑arc on stainless steel.
• Proficiency with plasma‑torch cutting.
• Experience performing preventative/proactive maintenance based on technical manuals and work orders.
• Competence using CMMS program (MP2) for maintenance activities, research, reference material, and work order completion.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work efficiently under stressful situations.
• Computer literacy and ability to use associated software programs.
• Ability to read equipment operation manuals and participate in job‑development training.

Skills

• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Effective communication with supervisory personnel.
• Proficient in reading gauges, instruments, and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of EPA guidelines for refrigeration recovery equipment.
• Ability to perform precision welding and cutting to sanitary standards.
• Competence in using CMMS (MP2) and other maintenance software.
• Ability to work safely and follow plant safety procedures.

Pay

Pay rate depends on experience. Paid weekly on Fridays.

Schedule

Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM (up to 12 hours per shift) with occasional after‑hour call‑ins.
Workdays: Wednesday to Sunday, with occasional work on other days as needed.