Refrigeration Engineer

PETIT FORESTIER UK; Warrington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Petit Forestier UK is seeking a skilled Refrigeration Technician in Warrington to service and repair refrigeration units and related control systems. You will diagnose electrical and refrigeration faults, perform leak testing and refrigerant recovery, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The role requires a recognised refrigeration qualification, F-Gas Category 1, and experience with transport refrigeration systems.

Qualifications

• Recognised refrigeration and air conditioning qualification.
• F-Gas Category 1 Certification.
• Experience with transport refrigeration equipment.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Strong fault-finding and electrical skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out planned preventative maintenance, servicing, inspections and repairs on refrigeration units and associated control equipment.
• Diagnose and rectify refrigeration, electrical, electronic, and control faults with diagnostic equipment.
• Leak detection, refrigerant recovery, evacuation, charging and pressure testing per regulations.
• Repair and replace components to manufacturer specs and company standards.
• Ensure systems meet temperature performance post-repair.
• Support breakdown and call-out activities; assist with commissioning and testing of new equipment.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure right-first-time completion.
• Work safely and maintain clean, organised workshop and vehicle areas.

Skills

Refrigeration principles

Transport refrigeration

Electrical fault-finding

UK driving licence

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Diagnostic software

Diagnostic equipment

Education

F-Gas Category 1 Certification

City & Guilds Level 3 Refrigeration & AC

Tools

Carrier Transicold

Thermo King

Hubbard

Diagnostic software

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Refrigeration Maintenance & Repair Carry out planned preventative maintenance, servicing, inspections, and repairs on refrigeration units and associated temperature-control equipment. Diagnose and rectify refrigeration, electrical, electronic, and control system faults using appropriate diagnostic equipment. Undertake leak detection, refrigerant recovery, evacuation, charging, and pressure testing activities in accordance with environmental and legislative requirements. Perform repairs and replacement of refrigeration components including compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion devices, sensors, controllers, and electrical systems. Complete all repairs to manufacturer specifications and Company quality standards. Ensure refrigeration systems achieve required temperature performance and operational standards following repair. Support emergency breakdown and call-out activities where required. Assist with commissioning and testing of new refrigeration equipment and installations. Ensure all work is completed to a "Right First Time" standard..

Refrigeration System Performance

Ensure refrigeration systems consistently achieve specified temperature performance requirements. Verify refrigeration units are capable of maintaining customer temperature specifications before vehicles are returned to service. Conduct temperature performance testing and operational validation following repairs. Investigate and resolve recurring refrigeration faults and temperature-control issues. Support the protection of customer products through effective refrigeration system maintenance and repair. Monitor refrigeration reliability trends and recommend corrective actions to improve performance.

Regulatory & Environmental Compliance

Ensure compliance with F-Gas regulations, environmental legislation, and refrigerant handling requirements. Maintain accurate records relating to refrigerant recovery, leak testing, refrigerant usage, and environmental reporting. Promote environmentally responsible refrigerant management and leak prevention practices.

Compliance & Documentation

Ensure all service, maintenance, inspection, and repair documentation is completed accurately and on time. Accurately complete job sheets and record labour times against work completed. Correctly record and account for all parts used during repairs and maintenance activities. Ensure all vehicle inspections are completed in accordance with company and legal requirements.

Workshop Operations

Manage individual workload effectively and prioritise work assignments in conjunction with Workshop Management. Communicate proactively with the Workshop Foreman or Manager regarding work in progress, delays, additional repairs required, and vehicle status. Use workshop equipment, tools, and diagnostic equipment safely and correctly. Maintain workshop housekeeping standards and ensure work areas remain clean, organised, and safe. Supply and maintain personal tools as specified by the Company.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Adhere to all Company Health & Safety policies, procedures, and safe systems of work. Wear and maintain appropriate PPE at all times. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, incidents, and near misses promptly. Contribute to a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the workshop environment.

Continuous Improvement & Development

Maintain knowledge and competence in line with current vehicle technologies, diagnostic systems, legislation, and industry developments. Participate in training and development activities as required. Support apprentices and less experienced colleagues where appropriate. Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve workshop efficiency, fleet reliability, and service delivery.

Measures of Success

Refrigeration Performance Achievement of refrigeration equipment availability targets. Reduction in refrigeration-related vehicle downtime. Reduction in repeat refrigeration faults and warranty returns. Achievement of temperature performance standards following repair. Successful completion of refrigeration preventative maintenance schedules. Cold Chain Integrity Zero avoidable temperature-control failures. Minimal customer product loss attributable to refrigeration defects. High levels of refrigeration reliability across the fleet. Positive customer feedback relating to refrigeration equipment performance. Environmental Compliance 100% compliance with F-Gas regulations. Accurate refrigerant tracking and reporting. Successful completion of environmental audits. Zero avoidable refrigerant release incidents. Technical Excellence High first-time fix rate for refrigeration repairs. Accurate diagnosis of refrigeration and control system faults. Effective support provided to workshop teams and operational colleagues.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential Recognised refrigeration and air conditioning qualification. F-Gas Category 1 Certification. Strong knowledge of refrigeration principles and systems. Experience working with transport refrigeration equipment. Excellent electrical and fault-finding skills. Full UK Driving Licence. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong planning, organisation, and problem-solving capability. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience using diagnostic software and equipment.

Desirable Experience with Carrier Transicold, Thermo King, Hubbard, or similar transport refrigeration systems. Knowledge of telematics and remote monitoring systems. HGV or commercial vehicle maintenance experience. City & Guilds Level 3 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning qualification. Experience of training apprentices. Knowledge of transportation and logistics operations. Strong PC literacy. Electrical qualifications (18th Edition or equivalent). Hydrocarbon and alternative refrigerant experience.

The Petit Forestier Group, a family-run business for nearly 120 years, brings together 5,900 talented employees across more than 22 countries, united by a shared mission: ‘Improving life through cold chain expertise’. By preserving food, medical products and other sensitive goods that are essential to our lives, we offer everyone a meaningful career.