Refrigeration Engineer

Refrigeration Engineer

Our client is seeking a hands-on Engineer - Refrigeration Systems to support an urgent product-development initiative at its Avondale, PA facility. The primary assignment is to support the redesign, testing and validation of Wine-Mate 1500 and 2500 Series GTL-UL self-contained refrigeration units as the product lines transition from R-134a to R-290 (propane) refrigerant. This is a practical, hands-on engineering role for someone who understands refrigeration systems at the component and product level. The engineer will work directly with physical units, evaluate component and system changes, perform testing and troubleshooting, and support refrigerant safety and compliance efforts. Hourly rate $40.00 to $60.00 depending on experience

Key Responsibilities

• Support the conversion of existing self-contained refrigeration products from R-134a to R-290.
• Evaluate refrigeration-system architecture and determine component changes required for the redesigned products.
• Select, evaluate and/or size refrigeration components such as compressors, evaporators, condensers, metering/expansion devices, fans, sensors and controls.
• Perform hands-on prototype and physical-unit testing, troubleshooting, performance evaluation and product validation.
• Diagnose refrigeration-system issues and recommend changes related to performance, reliability, safety, quality and manufacturability.
• Support refrigerant charge optimization and system performance testing.
• Support product-safety, refrigerant-compliance and applicable UL certification activities.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Sourcing, Operations, suppliers, testing laboratories and manufacturing partners.
• Provide technical guidance and documentation needed to move redesigned products toward production and commercialization.
• Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for refrigeration-related technical issues.

Required / Highly Desired Experience

Strong hands-on experience with refrigeration systems and refrigeration product development; this is not primarily a building-HVAC role. Direct experience with R-290 (propane) or other hydrocarbon/flammable refrigerants in refrigeration equipment. Experience with self-contained, packaged or commercial refrigeration equipment. Demonstrated ability to select components, test systems, troubleshoot refrigeration circuits and solve product-performance issues. Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer and refrigeration-system operation. Experience working with compressors, heat exchangers, refrigerant circuits and metering/expansion devices. Ability and willingness to work directly on prototype or production refrigeration units in a hands-on environment. Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Background

Experience converting refrigeration products from R-134a, R-404A or another HFC refrigerant to R-290 or another low-GWP/hydrocarbon refrigerant. Experience with commercial refrigerators/freezers, beverage or wine coolers, foodservice refrigeration, ice machines, refrigerated display cases, vending refrigeration, undercounter equipment or similar self-contained products. Familiarity with UL standards and product-safety requirements applicable to refrigeration equipment and flammable refrigerants. Experience supporting prototype builds, product validation, testing laboratories, certification activities and/or manufacturing launch. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent highly relevant hands-on refrigeration product experience may also be considered. SolidWorks or other CAD experience is helpful but is not the primary requirement; internal CAD support is available.

What Success Looks Like

The successful consultant will be able to quickly understand the existing Wine-Mate refrigeration system, identify the technical changes required for the R-290 conversion, work hands-on through component and system testing, troubleshoot issues as they arise, and help the team move the redesigned units toward a safe, compliant and production-ready solution.

Work Environment & Logistics

Onsite at the client's Avondale, PA facility. Monday-Friday, day-shift schedule. No travel is currently expected for this assignment. Expected contract term is approximately 12 months, with the potential to extend beyond one year or convert to a permanent position. Compensation/rate is open and will be considered based on the candidate's relevant experience and market expectations. The need is immediate. Qualified candidates will be reviewed as they are identified.