Ammonia Refrigeration Lead Technician — Build the Systems

Nbutexas; El Centro (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

HSA match

401(k) match

Paid leave

Vacation

Holidays

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Profit sharing

Job summary

Nbutexas is seeking an Ammonia Refrigeration Maintenance Lead to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair ammonia refrigeration systems at a brand-new facility in California. This hands-on technical lead role directs work when the Maintenance Supervisor is unavailable.

Responsibilities include preventive maintenance, PLC operations, welding, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance while managing on-call shifts and a growing maintenance team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on ammonia refrigeration system maintenance and repair experience in a cooling, produce, or agricultural environment.
• RETA CARO certification required; CIRO strongly preferred.
• MIG and TIG welding certifications required.
• Strong electrical and mechanical skills including PLC operation and troubleshooting.
• Experience with regulatory compliance specific to ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Ability to work independently and make sound maintenance decisions with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable in a physically demanding environment including cold temperatures (~32-34°F), heavy lifting, and sustained physical activity.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Ammonia Refrigeration System Maintenance: Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair ammonia refrigeration systems to ensure continuous and efficient facility operation.
• Lead Coverage: Serve as acting lead when the Maintenance Supervisor is unavailable, directing team workflow and priorities.
• Emergency Response: Respond to emergency repairs as needed, including on-call availability for nights and weekends on a rotating schedule.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the facility remains in compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards applicable to ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Preventive Maintenance: Develop and maintain accurate preventive maintenance records and documentation.
• PLC Operations: Operate and troubleshoot PLC systems to support facility performance.
• Welding: Perform hands-on MIG and TIG welding as required.
• Safety: Follow all OSHA protocols and PPE requirements, and represent the company professionally in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers, and customers.

Skills

Ammonia refrigeration expertise

Troubleshooting

PLC operation

Electrical and mechanical skills

MIG welding

TIG welding

On-call availability

Independent decision making

Bilingual English/Spanish

Valid driver's license

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

RETA CARO certification

CIRO certification (preferred)

Tools

PLC troubleshooting tools

Job description

Nbutexas is seeking an Ammonia Refrigeration Maintenance Lead to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair ammonia refrigeration systems at a brand-new facility in California. This hands-on technical lead role directs work when the Maintenance Supervisor is unavailable.

Responsibilities include preventive maintenance, PLC operations, welding, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance while managing on-call shifts and a growing maintenance team.