Energy & Sustainability Engineer

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Lyndhurst (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. in Lyndhurst, VA seeks an Energy & Sustainability Engineer to evaluate energy performance and improve refrigeration system efficiency across projects. You will collaborate with engineering, service and project teams to optimize energy use.

Responsibilities include developing energy models, advising customers on best practices, and supporting energy conservation measures with occasional site visits and travel to customer sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or related field is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret performance data.
• Effective communication and collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement energy models to assess and improve system efficiency.
• Advise customers on energy best practices to achieve efficiency goals.
• Identify deficiencies and provide cost-effective, practical solutions.
• Perform site assessments and equipment inspections to understand energy performance.
• Review system data and prepare reports with findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate energy-efficient practices into new designs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Excel proficiency

Technical software tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission-critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.

Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.

Job Role:

The Energy & Sustainability Engineer will assist in evaluating energy performance, analyzing system efficiencies, and recommending improvements in our refrigeration system designs and operations. This role works under the direction of the Energy and Sustainability Department Manager and collaborates with engineering, service, and project teams to ensure optimal energy performance across customer projects.

Key Duties

• Develop and implement cutting-edge energy models to assess and improve system efficiency.
• Advise customers on energy best practices and collaborate to achieve efficiency goals.
• Identify system deficiencies and provide cost-effective, practical solutions.
• Perform occasional site assessments, facility walkthroughs, and equipment inspections to better understand system operation and energy performance.
• Analyze new and existing systems for energy efficiency opportunities.
• Provide energy-efficiency-focused instruction and training for customers.
• Host monthly energy efficiency webinars through Microsoft Teams.
• Conduct energy usage analysis and identify efficiency opportunities for refrigeration systems.
• Support the development and implementation of energy conservation measures.
• Review system performance data and develop reports outlining findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate energy-efficient practices into new system designs.
• Stay current with relevant energy codes, financial incentives, and emerging technologies in the industrial refrigeration sector.
• Assist in preparing documentation for utility rebate programs or regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret performance data.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and technical software tools.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (seated or standing) for extended periods.
• Occasionally may need to lift or carry items up to 25 pounds (e.g., office supplies, small equipment).
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer energy audits or regulatory compliance needs.
• Must be able to walk through industrial sites, enter loud mechanical rooms, and work in cold storage areas with appropriate PPE.

Preferences

• Interest in energy efficiency, sustainability, or industrial system optimization.
• Familiarity with industrial refrigeration systems or HVAC systems.
• Previous experience with ENERGY STAR tools, utility benchmarking, or energy reporting.
• Familiarity with relevant energy codes, regulatory requirements, or sustainability reporting.
• Professional Engineering (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or similar certification.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee-focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work-life balance:

• Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
• 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
• Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Weekly pay
• Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
• Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
• Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services