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Refrigeration Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Refrigeration Engineer Department: Manufacturing (MFG) Reporting Relationship: Senior Project Manager, MFG COMPANY BACKGROUND KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure ...

About the role The Refrigeration Engineer is responsible for the hands-on engineering, design, and technical execution of industrial refrigeration and process utility systems. This role partners ...

We are currently seeking a Refrigeration Engineer for our client in the Engineered Material Solutions domain. We value our professionals, providing comprehensive benefits and the opportunity for ...

We are looking for a Refrigeration Engineer who will exercise oversight of industrial refrigeration operations in the Pictsweet plants to ensure that all systems throughout the Company are designed ...

The Refrigeration Engineer serves as the primary technical resource for refrigeration systems across engineering and manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for supporting product design ...

The Refrigeration Engineer serves as the primary technical resource for refrigeration systems across engineering and manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for supporting product design ...

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Refrigeration Engineer information

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$43K

$87.7K

$125K

How much do refrigeration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for refrigeration engineer in the United States is $87,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refrigeration Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refrigeration Engineer, you need a solid understanding of thermodynamics, HVAC systems, and mechanical engineering, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree or vocational qualification. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, refrigeration diagnostic equipment, and industry certifications like EPA Section 608 are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with teams or clients. These skills ensure safe, efficient system design and maintenance, minimizing downtime and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What are Refrigeration Engineers?

Refrigeration Engineers are professionals who design, install, maintain, and repair refrigeration systems used in a variety of settings, such as supermarkets, factories, cold storage facilities, and air conditioning units. They work with complex mechanical and electrical components to ensure that cooling systems operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting faults, performing regular inspections, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Refrigeration Engineers play a crucial role in industries that require precise temperature control to preserve products and maintain safe environments.

What Do Refrigeration Engineers Do?

A refrigeration engineer specializes in the design and installation of refrigeration systems. As a refrigeration engineer, your responsibilities include planning and managing the phases of installing complex refrigeration systems for restaurants, medical facilities, warehouses, trucks, and trailers. You must determine what cooling system is needed and how best to design and implement that system to meet your customer's needs.

What are some common challenges Refrigeration Engineers face when working on-site, and how can they be managed?

Refrigeration Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex system malfunctions, working in confined or temperature-sensitive environments, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Effective communication with clients and team members is crucial for accurately diagnosing issues and implementing solutions. Staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and industry standards also helps in managing these challenges, ensuring both system efficiency and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Refrigeration Engineer vs HVAC Technician?

AspectRefrigeration EngineerHVAC Technician
CertificationsRefrigeration certifications, HVAC licensesHVAC licenses, refrigeration certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, commercial refrigeration systemsResidential and commercial HVAC systems
Industry UsageFood storage, cold storage, industrial refrigerationHeating, ventilation, air conditioning in buildings

Refrigeration Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining refrigeration systems used in industrial and commercial settings, while HVAC Technicians primarily work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings. Both roles require similar certifications and often overlap in work environments, but their primary focus and applications differ.

What cities are hiring for Refrigeration Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Refrigeration Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Refrigeration Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Refrigeration Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Refrigeration Engineer jobs? The top employers for Refrigeration Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Refrigeration Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Refrigeration Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refrigeration Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,687 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Refrigeration Engineer

KFI Engineers PC

Cincinnati, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position: Refrigeration Engineer

Department: Manufacturing (MFG)

Reporting Relationship: Senior Project Manager, MFG


COMPANY BACKGROUND

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com.


POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Refrigeration Engineer will be responsible for designing and supervising installation of advanced refrigeration systems to ensure optimal performance and safety. This role will partner directly with architects, owners, contractors, and internal disciplines to deliver coordinated, highโ€‘performance building systems.

Youโ€™ll play a key role in refrigeration systems for projects ranging from small renovations to large, complex facilities. The engineer will oversee ammonia refrigeration processes, ventilation systems, and refrigeration equipment, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and operational requirements.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Serve as the refrigeration lead and/or project manager to ensure design criteria, budgets, and schedules meet or exceed client expectations.
  • Design, install, and maintain refrigeration systems, including ammonia refrigeration and associated ventilation equipment.
  • Prepare plans, specifications, construction documents, bid packages, technical reports, and conduct proactive review of shop drawings and RFIs.
  • Conduct regular inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of refrigeration equipment.
  • Provide clear, practical engineering recommendations to clients and maintain strong relationships through responsive communication and leadership.
  • Partner closely with architects, owners, contractors, and internal engineering disciplines to ensure aligned scope, deliverables, and expectations.
  • Participate in project meetings and represent refrigeration engineering requirements with clarity and confidence.
  • Other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience working with refrigeration systems, including ammonia refrigeration and ventilation.
  • Knowledge of fire protection systems and safety standards applicable to refrigeration and boiler operations.
  • Familiarity with building automation systems and their integration with refrigeration equipment.
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles and regulatory compliance in refrigeration.
  • Represent the company in a professional matter.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others.
  • Knowledge of computer technology and specific areas of application , including MS Office.
  • Travel: May include up to 25% domestic travel

Preferred

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
  • Experience with large-scale industrial or commercial refrigeration projects.
  • Training or certification in fire protection engineering or safety management.
  • Hands-on experience with boiler systems and their integration with refrigeration and fire protection.
  • Proficiency in advanced building automation platforms and software tools.

Working Conditions

  • Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.


CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

  • Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
  • Acts with a sense of urgency.
  • Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

  • Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
  • Works well under pressure.
  • Meets commitments to internal/external customers.

Project Execution

  • Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
  • Balances Speed and Quality.
  • Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

  • Keeps others adequately informed.
  • Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
  • Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

  • Balances team and individual responsibilities.
  • Shares expertise with others.
  • Inspires respect and trust.

Benefits:

At KFI, our comprehensive benefit program provides our employees with the resources to support their health, wellness and financial well-being. Full-Time employees have access to:

  • Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
  • Virtual health services
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) & Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for HDHP enrollees with KFI contributions
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) plan
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off to include Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
  • Paid Volunteer Time Off
  • Company Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Voluntary benefits offered include life, accident, critical illness coverage

Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer โ€“ Veterans and Disabilities