Commercial Industrial Refrigeration Service Technician

Elite Connector; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite Connector partnered with an established commercial HVAC and mechanical services provider seeking an experienced Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial ammonia (R-717) and CO₂ (R-744) refrigeration systems.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with industrial refrigeration equipment, particularly rotary screw compressors, and is committed to safety, system reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in industrial refrigeration.
• Experience with ammonia (R-717) systems.
• Experience with CO₂ (R-744) systems, including transcritical/subcritical/cascade.
• Strong ability to read P&IDs and mechanical drawings.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on ammonia and CO₂ refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, vessels, pumps, valves, and controls.
• Service, overhaul, align, and troubleshoot rotary screw compressors, including mechanical seals, bearings, rotors, slide valves, and oil systems.
• Diagnose refrigeration system performance issues and optimize efficiency, capacity, and energy use.
• Safely perform pump-downs, oil draining, refrigerant charging, leak detection, and equipment isolation per lockout/tagout procedures.
• Maintain maintenance logs and system documentation to support PSM and RMP compliance.
• Participate in PHAs, MOC, mechanical integrity inspections, and emergency response activities as required.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and manufacturer manuals.
• Operate and troubleshoot PLC- and microprocessor-based compressor control systems and adjust operating parameters.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and participate in an on-call rotation.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior technicians and operators.

Skills

Rotary screw compressors

Industrial refrigeration equipment

PSM

RMP compliance

Lockout/Tagout

Troubleshooting

PLC controls

Microprocessor-based controls

Electrical systems

On-call rotation

Education

RETA certification (CARO/CIRO)

Ammonia Refrigeration I & II training

OSHA PSM knowledge

EPA RMP knowledge

Tools

GEA compressors

Mycom compressors

Bitzer compressors

GEA/Tempest control systems

Diagnostics tools

Job description

Elite Connector partnered with an established commercial HVAC and mechanical services provider who is seeking an experienced Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial ammonia (R-717) and carbon dioxide (CO₂/R-744) refrigeration systems.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with industrial refrigeration equipment, particularly rotary screw compressors, and is committed to workplace safety, system reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on industrial ammonia and CO₂ refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, vessels, pumps, valves, and controls.
• Service, overhaul, align, and troubleshoot rotary screw compressors, including mechanical seals, bearings, rotors, slide valves, and oil systems.
• Diagnose refrigeration system performance issues and make adjustments to improve efficiency, capacity, and energy use.
• Safely perform pump-downs, oil draining, refrigerant charging, leak detection, and equipment isolation in accordance with lockout/tagout and line-break procedures.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, work orders, and system documentation to support Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Plan (RMP) compliance.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), Management of Change (MOC), mechanical integrity inspections, and emergency response activities as required.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and manufacturer manuals.
• Operate and troubleshoot PLC- and microprocessor-based compressor control systems and adjust operating parameters as needed.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and participate in an on-call rotation as required.
• Provide technical guidance and support to less experienced technicians and operators.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience as an industrial mechanic or industrial refrigeration technician in an industrial refrigeration environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with industrial ammonia (R-717) refrigeration systems.
• Experience with CO₂ (R-744) refrigeration systems, including transcritical, subcritical, or cascade systems.
• Strong hands-on experience maintaining, rebuilding, and troubleshooting rotary screw compressors.
• Ammonia Refrigeration I and II training and/or RETA certification (CARO or CIRO).
• Working knowledge of OSHA Process Safety Management (29 CFR 1910.119), EPA Risk Management Plan requirements, and IIAR standards.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to use precision measuring tools, alignment equipment, and diagnostic instruments.
• Ability to work safely at heights, in confined spaces, and in hot or cold environments while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when necessary.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Factory training from GEA or Mycom.
• Experience with Mycom, GEA (Grasso), and/or Bitzer compressors.
• Familiarity with equipment manufactured by GEA, Tempest, Evapco, and BAC.
• Experience with refrigeration control systems, including GEA, Mycom, or Tempest controls.
• EPA Section 608 Universal certification.
• Industrial electrical troubleshooting experience involving motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and starters.
• Experience working in cold storage facilities or other industrial environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and catwalks.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including freezer environments.