The Senior HVAC & Refrigeration Systems Engineer leads the engineering, optimization, and strategic management of HVAC and refrigeration systems in food-grade manufacturing facilities. This role drives design excellence, ensures regulatory compliance, and oversees projects that enhance system reliability, energy efficiency, and environmental control critical to food safety and quality. Acting as a technical authority, the senior engineer mentors teams and collaborates across departments to support capital projects, sustainability initiatives, and continuous improvement.
Lead design, specification, and commissioning of HVAC and refrigeration systems tailored for food-grade environments, ensuring full compliance with FDA, USDA, FSMA, ASHRAE, and 3-A Sanitary Standards.
Develop and execute strategies for system reliability, energy optimization, and sustainable operation.
Oversee troubleshooting of complex HVAC and refrigeration system issues, leading root cause analyses and corrective action plans.
Guide preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance programs in partnership with maintenance teams.
Provide technical leadership on new capital projects, upgrades, and expansions, ensuring equipment selection and system designs meet hygienic and operational standards.
Collaborate closely with Quality, Production, Engineering, and Facilities to align HVAC/refrigeration capabilities with food safety and operational goals.
Drive adoption of advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, building automation systems, and energy management tools.
Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing.
Prepare and present detailed reports, technical documentation, and presentations to senior leadership.
Ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to HVAC and refrigeration systems.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
Experience:
7+ years of progressive HVAC and refrigeration engineering experience, with significant work in food-grade or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Proven leadership in managing complex HVAC/refrigeration projects and reliability improvements.
Technical Skills:
Deep expertise in HVAC and refrigeration system design, controls, and commissioning.
Strong knowledge of regulatory standards including FDA, USDA, FSMA, ASHRAE, 3-A Sanitary, and refrigeration safety codes.
Experience with CAD, energy modeling software, building management systems (BMS), and CMMS.
Familiarity with emerging technologies in HVAC/refrigeration like IoT, automation, and sustainable design.
Leadership & Soft Skills:
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Strategic thinker with strong project management and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.