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Refrigeration Design Engineer Jobs in California

You will partner with design engineers early on in the process to ensure manufacturability while ... Experience with testing refrigeration systems Compensation and Benefits: * Base salary range for ...

You will partner with design engineers early on in the process to ensure manufacturability while ... Experience with testing refrigeration systems Compensation and Benefits: * Base salary range for ...

You will partner with design engineers early on in the process to ensure manufacturability while ... Experience with testing refrigeration systems Compensation and Benefits: * Base salary range for ...

Showing results 21-40

Refrigeration Design Engineer information

What does a refrigeration design engineer do?

A Refrigeration Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing refrigeration systems and components used in various applications, such as commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and transportation. They create detailed schematics and layouts, select appropriate materials and equipment, and ensure the systems meet industry standards for safety and efficiency. These engineers often work closely with clients and other engineers to customize solutions that fit specific needs, and they may also be involved in troubleshooting and improving existing refrigeration systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refrigeration design engineer?

To thrive as a Refrigeration Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, and HVAC principles, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, refrigeration cycle modeling tools, and relevant industry codes such as ASHRAE standards is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and innovative refrigeration solutions that meet technical and regulatory requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced by a refrigeration design engineer, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Refrigeration Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing energy efficiency with cost constraints, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations, and integrating new technologies into existing systems. Addressing these challenges requires staying updated on industry standards, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like manufacturing and maintenance, and engaging in continuous professional development. Open communication with clients and stakeholders also helps in aligning design specifications with practical requirements and sustainability goals.

What is the difference between Refrigeration Design Engineer vs HVAC Design Engineer?

AspectRefrigeration Design EngineerHVAC Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, certifications like ASHRAEBachelor's in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, certifications like ASHRAE
Work EnvironmentDesigning refrigeration systems for commercial, industrial, and cold storage facilitiesDesigning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings
Industry UsageFood processing, cold storage, HVACR industryConstruction, building services, commercial and residential buildings

Refrigeration Design Engineers focus on creating systems for cooling and cold storage, often working in industrial and commercial sectors. HVAC Design Engineers primarily design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, their applications differ significantly, catering to different industry needs.

What job categories do people searching Refrigeration Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Refrigeration Design Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Refrigeration Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Intern - Design Engineer

Garden Grove, CA


Southland Industries Inc.

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$26/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Our Internship and New College Graduate program is best designed for those students who seek a truly immersive and hands-on experience. At Southland, we view every student as a potential hire and ensure each intern, co-op student, and every new college graduate is truly set up for success to accomplish short and long term career goals. If a student program that exposes you to exciting projects and potential career paths with one of the country's largest MEP building systems firms appeals to you and you're ready for the next big step in your career, then JOIN our team and become a part of an organization that values PEOPLE, SAFETY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY.

Position Summary

Our internship program is designed to introduce candidates to a career in the field of Design Engineering for the Design/Build HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection industry. Primary responsibility is to assist the design team in all aspects of our work.

Position Details

  • Assist Senior Engineers in design tasks as required.
  • Perform basic deliverables and products such as calculations, drawings, and specifications related to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems under supervision of Senior Engineers.
  • Perform basic calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection, and sizing, pipe and duct sizing, friction loss calculations, etc.
  • Assist in coordinating all aspects of the project design with project management, architects, and other trades through the completion phase of a project.
  • Perform and check CADD drafting work.
  • Review applicable codes and criteria and examine field conditions as required to support design of project.

Qualifications

  • You're pursuing a degree that aligns with Southland needs: a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering; or in a related field. Completion of classes in Thermodynamics and HVAC Design is highly desirable.
  • A strong work ethic
  • Initiative and drive to get the job done
  • Strong communication skills
  • The ability to be resourceful and resilient
  • Able to solve problems with limited support
  • Quick learner, seeks answers on their own
  • Positive attitude during adverse/non-ideal situations
  • Exercises Accountability in stressful situations (avoids placing blame)
  • Goal Oriented
  • Collaborative spirit and a Good Teammate - has a "We vs. Me" attitude
  • Strong active listening skills
  • Competent general business writing and public speaking

What you'll gain from our Student Programs at Southland Industries:

  • You'll increase your knowledge of HVAC design to include types of equipment utilized in the industry as well as general understanding of system operations (i.e. variable air, constant volume, refrigeration cycle.)
  • You'll have the ability to communicate with all levels of management, including project management and field trades.
  • You'll learn to read mechanical and plumbing plans.
  • You'll be able to strengthen your general business writing skills and gain additional experience with CADD and other products.

Pay: For California-based internship roles, the pay rate is set at $26.00 per hour, in alignment with program guidelines and market standards.

Internship/Co-op Program Benefits:

  • Hands-on classroom and on-the-job experience in your specific role
  • Opportunity to work side by side with company leaders
  • Socially distant group activities and team events
  • Paid housing (some locations)
  • Paid internship/Co-op
  • Potential full-time employment opportunities

Full-time Employee Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

  • 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
  • Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability income protection insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
  • Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
  • Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation's largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you're engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).


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