Lead Product Design Engineer – Commercial Refrigeration

CFS Brands; Batavia (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS Brands is seeking a Product Design Engineer in Batavia, IL to lead the design and development of commercial refrigeration systems from concept to production. You will create CAD models, BOMs, and detailed drawings, while selecting components to optimize performance and cost.

The role requires a strong background in refrigeration cycles, heat transfer, and HVAC/R principles, with 5+ years of experience and SolidWorks proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of product design experience with commercial refrigeration systems.
• Strong understanding of refrigeration cycles, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and HVAC/R principles.
• Experience designing products utilizing low-GWP refrigerants such as R-290, R-600a, or CO₂ systems is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems and Engineering Change Management processes.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including sheet metal fabrication, welding, insulation, assembly, and production design.
• Working knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements and product certifications.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent project management and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop commercial refrigeration equipment and refrigeration systems from concept through production.
• Create 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and product documentation.
• Design refrigeration circuits including compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device, refrigerant piping, and controls.
• Evaluate and select refrigeration components to optimize performance, energy efficiency, reliability, and cost.
• Perform engineering calculations related to heat transfer, airflow, refrigeration capacity, pressure drop, and thermal performance.
• Develop prototypes and oversee product testing, validation, and qualification.
• Troubleshoot design, manufacturing, and field performance issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, Product Management, and Service teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to reduce product cost while maintaining quality and performance.
• Ensure products comply with applicable safety and regulatory standards including UL, NSF, DOE, EPA, ENERGY STAR®, and applicable refrigerant regulations.
• Participate in DFMEA, design reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with suppliers on component development, qualification, and cost reduction opportunities.
• Support technical documentation including installation manuals, service manuals, and ECOs.

Skills

Mechanical design

Refrigeration systems

3D CAD

Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering calculations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM/PLM

Job description

CFS Brands is seeking a Product Design Engineer in Batavia, IL to lead the design and development of commercial refrigeration systems from concept to production. You will create CAD models, BOMs, and detailed drawings, while selecting components to optimize performance and cost.

The role requires a strong background in refrigeration cycles, heat transfer, and HVAC/R principles, with 5+ years of experience and SolidWorks proficiency.