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The Mechanical Engineer - Refrigeration is responsible for the design, analysis, optimization, and technical support of industrial refrigeration systems across the enterprise. This role provides subject-matter expertise for ammonia (NH3), Co2 and Freon-based systems, ensuring safe operation, regulatory compliance, reliability, and energy efficiency in support of operational and business objectives.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Refrigeration System Engineering
Design, review, and support industrial refrigeration systems utilizing ammonia, C02 and Freon refrigerants, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, vessels, piping, and controls.
Develop and maintain engineering standards, specifications, and system documentation.
Evaluate system performance and recommend improvements to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Provide technical support for troubleshooting and root cause analysis of refrigeration system issues.
Core partner of Design and Construction team to set design standards for company.
Process Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Support Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Plan (RMP) requirements for ammonia systems.
Participate in PHAs, MOCs, mechanical integrity programs, and compliance audits.
Ensure designs and system modifications comply with OSHA, EPA, IIAR, ASHRAE, and applicable codes and standards.
Support incident investigations and development of corrective actions.
Capital Projects & Modifications
Provide engineering support for refrigeration-related capital projects, expansions, and retrofits.
Review contractor and consultant designs for compliance with engineering standards and project requirements.
Support commissioning, startup, and system acceptance activities.
Provide technical input on equipment selection, vendor evaluation, and scope development.
Operations & Maintenance Support
Partner with Facilities and Maintenance teams to develop maintenance strategies, SOPs, and operating procedures.
Provide field engineering support during major outages, repairs, and emergency events.
Assist with contractor oversight and ensure technical work is executed safely and correctly.
Asset Reliability & Energy Optimization
Analyze system performance data to identify reliability risks, capacity constraints, and energy optimization opportunities.
Support lifecycle asset planning, condition assessments, and replacement recommendations.
Identify opportunities for system modernization and automation.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
Maintain accurate P&IDs, equipment files, calculations, and technical documentation.
Ensure documentation supports PSM compliance, audits, and operational readiness.
Contribute to enterprise knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Other duties as assigned by manager.
RELATIONSHIPS
Internal Relationships : This role partners closely with Operations, Facilities, Maintenance, EHS, Asset Management, and Capital Engineering teams to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant refrigeration system performance. The Mechanical Engineer works collaboratively with site leadership and field engineering resources to support daily operations, capital execution, and continuous improvement initiatives across the network.
External Relationships: Interfaces with external engineering firms, refrigeration contractors, OEMs, and equipment suppliers to support system design, modifications, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities. The role may also be engaged with regulatory agencies, auditors, and PSM consultants as needed to support compliance efforts, inspections, and technical reviews.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Travel to multiple distribution centers as needed.
Combination of office, warehouse, and field environments, including refrigerated and frozen areas.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
5 years of experience in industrial refrigeration, with hands-on experience with ammonia (NH3) refrigeration systems and working knowledge of Freon-based systems.
Expertise in industrial ammonia and Freon refrigeration engineering, including refrigeration thermodynamics and mechanical system design.
Strong knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Program (RMP) compliance requirements.
Demonstrated experience in system troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and operational problem-solving within industrial refrigeration environments.
Experience supporting capital projects, including system upgrades, expansions, commissioning, and equipment optimization initiatives.
Proficient in interpreting and developing P&IDs, technical specifications, and engineering documentation.
Strong understanding of asset reliability, preventative maintenance strategies, and energy optimization practices.
Familiarity with OSHA PSM and EPA RMP requirements.
Ability to travel to operating sites as needed.
This role requires approximately >25% travel during the initial years, with the potential for reduced travel as the function matures and stabilizes.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
LICENSES
Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Working knowledge of applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements, including IIAR and ASHRAE guidelines.
EPA Section 608 Certification
Experience in food distribution, cold storage, manufacturing, or logistics environments.
Experience supporting multi-site operations.
Experience with AutoCAD verification and updating.
PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Standard required physical activities including length of time performing each activity.
This role will also receive annual incentive plan bonus.
Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: https://www.usfoods.com/careers/benefits.html .
Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state or local minimum wage thresholds). The expected base rate for this role is between
$100,000 - $155,000
EOE?- Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual?Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/ Age/Genetic Information /Protected Veteran/Disability Status
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