Refrigeration Start-Up Technician

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Refrigeration Start-Up Technician to support the start-up, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization of supermarket refrigeration, heating, and ventilation systems.

This position requires a Journeyman-level skill set with strong experience in supermarket refrigeration, parallel rack systems, Energy Management Systems (EMS), electrical systems, and refrigeration controls. The Refrigeration Start-Up Technician will serve as a subject matter expert, supporting new system start-ups, Energy Optimization (EO) projects, troubleshooting, and technician development.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform complete start-up and commissioning of new parallel refrigeration systems and individual refrigeration systems.
• Perform evacuations of parallel racks after verifying successful pressure testing.
• Complete EMS wiring, programming, troubleshooting, and system configuration across multiple manufacturers.
• Work with supermarket Energy Management Systems including CPC, Novar, and Danfoss .
• Diagnose and troubleshoot advanced refrigeration controls, oil systems, safety controls, mechanical sub-cooling, head pressure controls, and defrost systems.
• Start up and troubleshoot single and parallel compressor systems.
• Support refrigeration rack oil systems and advanced defrost diagnosis.
• Lead smaller projects including single-case replacements, condenser changeouts, and other refrigeration upgrades.
• Assist with Energy Optimization projects, including:
  • Supermarket retro-commissioning
  • System performance optimization
  • Utility energy programs
  • EMS upgrades
  • Refrigerant leak detection upgrades
  • Gas conversion projects
• Support local Service and Construction Managers between projects by assisting with problematic locations and complex troubleshooting.
• Provide technical guidance and training to junior technicians and foremen.
• Perform refrigeration system installation work involving electrical, plumbing, controls, and fixtures.
• Read and interpret refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing blueprints and schematics.
• Maintain strong communication with customers, project teams, management, and field personnel.
• Organize and prioritize multiple projects and work schedules.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Vocational, technical, or trade school coursework preferred.
• 5+ years of commercial refrigeration experience , with significant experience working with supermarket refrigeration and parallel rack systems.
• 3+ years of supermarket EMS experience required.
• CO2 refrigeration system experience is highly preferred.
• EMS certification preferred.
• EPA Type I and Type II Certification required.
• Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record required.
• Journeyman-level refrigeration knowledge and field experience.
• Strong experience with supermarket refrigeration installations, start-ups, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Expert knowledge of:
  • Parallel rack systems
  • Single refrigeration systems
  • Compressors
  • Display cases
  • Walk-in coolers and freezers
  • Ice machines
  • Refrigeration electrical systems
  • Oil management systems
  • Safety controls
  • Defrost systems
  • Mechanical sub-cooling
  • Head pressure controls
• Strong EMS wiring and programming experience, particularly with CPC, Novar, and Danfoss systems .
• Ability to efficiently troubleshoot complex commercial and supermarket refrigeration equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Ability to read refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing blueprints.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and related applications.
• Strong communication, organization, and customer service skills.
• Ability to independently prioritize multiple assignments and coordinate short-term work schedules.
• Ability and willingness to travel, stay overnight, and work overtime as project needs require.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced supermarket refrigeration professional who is comfortable taking ownership of complex system start-ups and troubleshooting challenges. This individual should be capable of working independently in the field, serving as a technical resource for other technicians, and communicating effectively with customers, construction teams, service personnel, and management.