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Refrigeration Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KSL Resorts

Engineer II

Yountville, CA · On-site

$29.88/hr

Position Summary - Pay Range $29.88/Hr The Engineer II is responsible for ensuring that the property is maintained in the best possible condition at all times. The role is responsible for repairing ...

C & L Refrigeration

Be Seen First

HVAC/Refrigeration Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$52K - $104K/yr

Founded in 1977, C&L Refrigeration has established itself as a leader providing the highest quality maintenance, engineering and construction service in the commercial and industrial air conditioning ...

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All JobsRefrigeration Engineer JobsRefrigeration Engineer Jobs in California

Refrigeration Engineer information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$86.5K

$123.4K

How much do refrigeration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for refrigeration engineer in California is $86,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refrigeration engineer?

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 does a refrigeration engineer 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 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 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.

Are refrigeration engineers in demand?

Refrigeration engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for maintenance, installation, and repair of cooling systems across various industries such as food service, healthcare, and manufacturing. The profession often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of HVAC systems, and job growth is expected to be steady as these systems remain essential for operational efficiency.

How much do refrigeration engineers make?

Refrigeration engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled technicians with certifications like EPA or HVAC licenses may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or commercial settings.
More about Refrigeration Engineer jobs

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Refrigeration Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refrigeration Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,539 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Refrigeration Systems Engineer

Advantest

Lake Forest, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Refrigeration Systems Engineer
Advantest Test Solutions, Inc. (ATS) is seeking a Refrigeration Systems Engineer to join our team in Lake Forest, CA. ATS is a leading provider of massively parallel electronic test systems, including System Level Test (SLT), burn-in, and semiconductor/module testing. We offer an exciting portfolio of high-performance test systems that support the semiconductor industry worldwide. This is a unique opportunity for an engineer with deep refrigeration expertise to contribute to thermally demanding, cutting-edge semiconductor test equipment.
This individual will be responsible for the design, validation, and integration of refrigeration systems into ATS electronic test platforms - supporting products across semiconductors, photonics, and embedded devices. Responsibilities span from concept through production, including hands-on prototype evaluation, field issue resolution, and customer site support
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Define refrigeration system requirements to meet the thermal management needs of electronic test equipment
  • Perform refrigeration cycle analysis and establish performance and sizing requirements for major system components, including compressors, heat exchangers, and expansion devices
  • Design refrigeration systems from concept through production, including component sizing and selection
  • Collaborate with cross-functional design and development teams to integrate refrigeration systems into electronic test equipment
  • Conduct hands-on evaluation of prototype and sub-assembly builds, including thorough performance assessments
  • Perform thermal testing and validation to ensure compliance with design specifications and performance requirements
  • Develop and maintain detailed documentation of designs, analyses, and test results
  • Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations governing refrigeration systems
  • Partner with procurement, manufacturing, quality, and field service teams to establish component specifications and support vendor/supplier qualification
  • Identify risk areas and opportunities for design optimization
  • Act as a technical point of contact for customers on select refrigeration-related issues
  • Provide hands-on support during product installation and commissioning at customer sites, and serve as a technical resource for field service teams
  • All other duties as assigned

Requirements, Education & Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; Master's degree preferred
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in refrigeration system design
  • Demonstrated experience with vapor compression cycle analysis and hands-on design of condensing units and/or chillers
  • Expertise in liquid- and refrigerant-based thermal systems
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling; SolidWorks experience preferred
  • Ability to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally to customer sites
  • On-site role based in Lake Forest, CA

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