Biomedical Refrigeration Specialist

Laboratory Sciences of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonora Quest Laboratories/Laboratory Sciences of Arizona (SQL/LSA) seeks an experienced Biomedical Refrigeration Specialist to maintain and repair laboratory refrigeration systems including ULT freezers and biomedical refrigerators. You will inspect, calibrate, and repair equipment ensuring patient testing integrity and compliance with CAP/CLIA guidelines.

The role requires diagnosing electronic controls, logs maintenance activities, and interfacing with clinical staff and vendors while adhering

Qualifications

• Four years of refrigeration or HVAC repair experience, preferably biomedical or lab.
• EPA-608 or equivalent refrigeration certification.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams and service manuals.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on ULT freezers, biomedical fridges, and related lab equipment.
• Install and calibrate new lab refrigeration systems to meet specs.
• Conduct electrical safety inspections and document results.
• Maintain records of calibrations, PMs, repairs, and parts usage.
• Collaborate with staff and vendors; troubleshoot complex issues.

Skills

Laboratory refrigeration systems

Wiring diagrams and schematics

AC/DC electronics

Sensors and controls

Diagnostics and calibration

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting complex systems

Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Refrigeration certification (EPA 608 Type I–II–III or Universal)

Tools

Maintenance management system

Data loggers

Thermocouple meters

Vacuum gauges

Leak detectors

Multimeters

Job description

Primary City/State: Phoenix, Arizona Department Name: Biomedical Eng-Ref Lab Work Shift: Day Job Category: Facilities, Environmental Services, and Culinary

We are seeking an experienced refrigeration professional for a specialized role supporting critical laboratory refrigeration equipment across Sonora Quest Laboratories.

As a Biomedical Refrigeration Specialist, you'll work on ultra-low temperature freezers, biomedical refrigerators, and other essential systems that support patient testing and healthcare operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional who enjoys troubleshooting complex equipment and wants to make a meaningful impact. Join our team and come do great work on behalf of better health!

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, calibration, and repair of specialized laboratory refrigeration systems used in clinical, research, and diagnostic environments. This position ensures that all cold-storage equipment supporting patient testing, specimen integrity, reagents, and research materials operate safely, reliably, and in compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. The equipment includes ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers (−40°C to −86°C), biomedical refrigerators and freezers, refrigerated centrifuges, incubators with cooling systems, and any laboratory equipment that incorporates a refrigeration system. Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards.

CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Performs scheduled preventive maintenance on laboratory refrigeration systems, including ULT freezers, biomedical refrigerators, cryogenic units, and refrigerated laboratory instruments. Conducts detailed inspections of compressors, evaporators, condensers, vacuum seals, insulation integrity, temperature probes, control boards, and refrigerant levels. Diagnoses and repairs failures down to the board level, including electronic control systems, sensors, relays, solenoids, and refrigeration circuits.
2. Installs new laboratory refrigeration equipment, ensuring proper electrical, environmental, and ventilation requirements. Performs acceptance testing and calibration to verify equipment meets manufacturer and regulatory specifications.
3. Conducts electrical safety inspections in accordance with biomedical engineering standards. Uses specialized diagnostic tools (e.g., data loggers, thermocouple meters, vacuum gauges, leak detectors, multimeters) to verify performance, stability, and temperature accuracy.
4. Documents all service activities in the organization's maintenance management system. Maintains accurate records of temperature calibrations, PM schedules, repairs, and parts usage. Tags and logs new equipment, performs incoming inspections, and ensures compliance with accreditation requirements (CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission).
5. Continuously expands knowledge of emerging laboratory refrigeration technologies, refrigerants, and biomedical equipment standards through training and certification programs. Must be willing to expand their skills set to include troubleshooting and repair of non-refrigerated equipment.
6. Communicates with laboratory staff, managers, and equipment vendors regarding service needs, equipment performance, and repair timelines. Research technical manuals, service bulletins, and parts using online resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS

Requires reading, writing, verbal communication skills, stooping, bending, reaching, kneeling and standing for long periods. Mechanical aptitude, ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work under stress of deadlines. Ability to work varied hours when needed. Work is performed in an (OSHA 1) work environment. Exposure to laboratory environments, including biohazardous materials, chemicals, cryogenic temperatures, and high temperature discharge areas. Requires proper PPE and adherence to safety protocols. Travel to multiple facilities, occasionally for short periods.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of laboratory refrigeration systems, including cascade refrigeration, ULT freezer technology, and other specialized refrigeration equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, flow charts, and technical manuals.
• Proficiency with AC/DC electronics, electromechanical systems, sensors, controls, and refrigeration cycles.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and navigation of maintenance software and Microsoft Office.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with clinical staff and vendors.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations related to diagnostics and calibration.
• Knowledge of electrical systems, electronics, electromechanics, and basic pneumatics/hydraulics.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret technical diagrams and troubleshoot complex systems.
• Experience with ultra low temperature freezers and biomedical or laboratory refrigeration equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Four (4) years of experience in refrigeration or HVAC repair, preferably in a biomedical or laboratory environment.
• Current refrigeration certification (e.g., EPA 608 Type I–II–III or Universal, NATE, HVAC Excellence).
• Valid state driver's license and insurability.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout Arizona, including occasional overnight stays.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical training or certifications in biomedical engineering, laboratory equipment repair, or advanced refrigeration systems.
• Experience working in clinical, research, or hospital environments.
• Additional related education and/or experience.

EEO Statement: EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.

Make Great Friends and a Difference in Your Communities

You’ll feel like you’re in the right place at Sonora Quest Laboratories/Laboratory Sciences of Arizona (SQL/LSA), doing great work on behalf of a healthy community. While many organizations tout “teamwork and camaraderie,” there is no denying that our compassionate, collaborative culture is a cut above the rest. Our team members work together daily to create a work environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to be their best selves and do their best work. Grow your career and see for yourself how gratifying and satisfying being a part of our team can be. You Belong Here.

Sonora Quest Laboratories is a proud partner of Banner Health. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefit package for all benefit-eligible positions. Please visit our Benefits Guide for more information.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans Laboratory Sciences of Arizona supports a drug-free work environment.