HVAC Refrigeration Engineer

Actalent; United States; On-site; USD 54,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transport benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an experienced HVAC Refrigeration Engineer to design vapor‑compression and cascade systems for ultra-low temperature and cold storage applications. You will perform thermal modeling, testing, and data-driven optimization while collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes energy-efficient solutions, regulatory compliance, and contributing to product roadmaps from concept to commercialization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics coursework preferred.
• Master's degree in engineering discipline preferred.
• 5+ years of refrigeration system design experience.
• Experience with HVAC/R or cold storage products; vapor-compression cycles.

Responsibilities

• Design vapor-compression and cascade refrigeration systems for cold storage/ULT applications.
• Establish performance specs at system, subsystem, and component levels.
• Develop and execute testing plans to verify performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform thermal modeling, simulation, and analysis to optimize efficiency.
• Conduct trade studies to improve energy efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Support technology maturation and sustainable refrigerant initiatives.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturability, production quality, and lead times.
• Analyze empirical test data and implement data-driven design improvements.
• Maintain detailed documentation and traceability throughout development lifecycle.
• Support regulatory compliance activities and industry standards.

Skills

Vapor-compression refrigeration

Cascade refrigeration

Thermal modeling

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Thermal analysis software

Data acquisition systems

Automated testing equipment

Job description

HVAC Refrigeration Engineer Job Description

This Senior Refrigeration Engineer role focuses on the design and development of advanced refrigeration systems for ultra-low temperature and cold storage applications. You will create innovative, energy-efficient cooling solutions while driving technology development, optimizing product performance, and supporting new product introduction from concept through commercialization. The position offers the opportunity to work on next-generation refrigeration systems used in critical laboratory, research, and healthcare environments, and to build deep expertise in highly specialized refrigeration technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop vapor-compression and cascade refrigeration systems for advanced cold storage and ultra-low temperature applications.
• Establish performance specifications at the system, subsystem, and component level to ensure robust and reliable operation.
• Develop and execute comprehensive testing plans to verify system performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform thermal modeling, simulation, and engineering analysis to support design decisions and optimize system efficiency and performance.
• Conduct trade studies and evaluate design alternatives to improve energy efficiency, performance, and overall cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and quality teams throughout all stages of product development.
• Support technology maturation efforts and advanced engineering initiatives aimed at innovative cooling technologies and sustainable refrigerant solutions.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturability, assembly, performance, and quality requirements for production environments.
• Analyze empirical test data, interpret results, and implement data-driven design improvements to enhance product performance.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation and requirements traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support regulatory compliance activities, including adherence to industry certifications, standards, and best practices.
• Contribute to long-term technology and product roadmaps, influencing products from early-stage development through commercialization.
• Participate in validation testing and refrigeration performance optimization activities using data acquisition systems and automated testing setups.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Coursework in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Fluid Mechanics preferred.
• Master's degree in an engineering discipline preferred.
• 5+ years of refrigeration system design experience.
• Experience developing HVAC/R or cold storage products.
• Strong understanding of vapor-compression refrigeration cycles.
• Proficiency in designing vapor-compression and cascade refrigeration systems.
• Experience with thermal analysis, modeling, and simulation using thermal analysis software.
• Ability to analyze empirical test data and translate findings into targeted design improvements.
• Experience with technical documentation and requirements traceability throughout product development.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with HVAC/R system design and refrigeration performance optimization.
• Familiarity with ultra-low temperature (ULT) refrigeration systems and cold storage applications.
• Experience with cascade refrigeration systems and advanced cooling architectures.
• Knowledge of ESS and other environmental or stress screening methodologies.
• Experience using thermal analysis software for modeling and simulation.
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems and automated testing equipment.
• Validation testing experience for refrigeration or HVAC/R products.
• Background in root cause analysis and troubleshooting of refrigeration systems.
• Interest in innovative cooling technologies and sustainable refrigerant solutions.
• Motivation to build expertise in highly specialized refrigeration technologies with strong long-term career growth potential.

Work Environment

You will work in a blend of engineering office, laboratory, and product testing environments, with regular hands-on interaction with refrigeration systems, prototypes, and testing equipment. The role operates in a collaborative team setting that includes mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, quality, and operations groups. The product development environment is fast-paced and supports multiple concurrent projects, offering exposure to advanced refrigeration technologies and innovation initiatives. The position supports products manufactured across multiple locations and may involve up to 10% domestic travel. Relocation assistance may be available.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Marietta, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47.69 - $47.69/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Marietta,OH. About Actalent

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.