Mechanical Engineer III – Refrigeration

KFI Engineers; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

KFI Engineers in Cincinnati, OH, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to lead refrigeration projects and deliver technical excellence for a diverse client base. The role emphasizes design, budgeting, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure client satisfaction and successful project execution.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with refrigeration systems, including ammonia, strong communication, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience post-graduation.
• 5+ years with refrigeration systems including ammonia refrigeration and ventilation.
• Familiarity with building automation systems integration with refrigeration equipment.
• Strong communication and client-relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare engineering documents and equipment specifications to meet contracted scope.
• Design, install, and maintain refrigeration systems including ammonia refrigeration.
• Serve as refrigeration lead and project manager to meet budgets and schedules.
• Coordinate with electrical, controls, structural, and commissioning teams.
• Develop budgets and estimates and manage project scope.
• Provide technical support to other departments and lead meetings.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PE certification preferred

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position: Mechanical Engineer III

Department: Manufacturing (MFG)

Reporting Relationship: Senior Project Manager, MFG

COMPANY BACKGROUND

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com.

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Mechanical Engineer III plays a key role in the successful execution of projects. This individual will provide technical and engineering excellence, as well as successful delivery of work to our customers. The Mechanical Engineer III is responsible for a high level of customer satisfaction by ensuring expectations are clearly communicated and managed - both externally and internally. The successful candidate will also contribute to a dynamic team environment by being proactive, communicating clearly and frequently, and modeling a highly collaborative working environment. This person will also actively support the business development process, through the writing of proposals and meeting with prospective and current customers. This Mechanical Engineer III will be self-directed but thrive in an environment where consultation leads to superior differentiators.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Prepares engineering documents and equipment specifications to meet contracted scope of work and to ensure code compliance and proper application of Thermodynamic Principles (e.g., HVAC Engineering and Design, load/energy modeling calculations, etc.).
• Design, install, and maintain refrigeration systems, including ammonia refrigeration and associated ventilation equipment.
• Serve as the refrigeration lead and/or project manager to ensure design criteria, budgets, and schedules meet or exceed client expectations.
• Works within Revit and other design/drafting software to assist in producing drawings, schedules and details.
• Coordination with other disciplines (electrical, controls, structural, commissioning) to ensure a successful project.
• Approves final equipment selections and drawing submittals..
• Perform engineering calculations.
• Develops budgets and estimates for assigned scope of work and is accountable for ensuring we stay within scope.
• May serve as project manager for complete projects as assigned, overseeing a project team.
• Provides work direction to other team members, including subcontractors, as assigned.
• Provides technical and engineering support to other departments/disciplines.
• Construction administration - leads and attends meetings, reviews change orders, responds to RFI's.
• Supports the business development process through input to proposals, meeting and presenting to prospective customers, etc.
• May represent KFI at conferences, customer events, and through membership in industry associations.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelors' degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar, related degree.
• Minimum of 7 years' Mechanical Engineering experience following graduation.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience working with refrigeration systems, including ammonia refrigeration and ventilation.
• Knowledge of fire protection systems and safety standards applicable to refrigeration and boiler operations.
• Familiarity with building automation systems and their integration with refrigeration equipment.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and regulatory compliance in refrigeration.
• Basic understanding of Architectural, Electrical, Civil, and Structural Engineering construction practices.
• Strong working knowledge of Revit and/or AutoCAD.
• Experience with layout work, shop drawings, and generating technical reports.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilities generation and distribution systems design.
• Experience in HVAC, plumbing systems, selections and optimization.
• Competency in psychometrics and pumps/fan laws.
• Expert knowledge of technology and the application of technology in business.
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships and establish credibility.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Effectively presents complex information to employees, management, and clients at all levels.
• Skilled at synthesizing ideas into actionable recommendations and positively influencing outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory or people-management experience.
• Strong planning, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Travel: May include up to 25% domestic travel

Preferred

• Professional Engineer (PE) certification or willingness to pursue certification.
• Experience in one or more of the following industries:
  • Clean Manufacturing
  • Building Products
  • Food & Food Ingredients
  • Consumer Products

Working Conditions

• Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.

CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

• Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
• Acts with a sense of urgency.
• Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

• Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
• Works well under pressure.
• Meets commitments to internal/external customers.

Project Execution

• Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
• Balances Speed and Quality.
• Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

• Keeps others adequately informed.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

• Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Shares expertise with others.
• Inspires respect and trust.

Benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Virtual health services
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for HDHP enrollees with KFI contributions
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) plan
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off to include Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Bereavement Leave
• Voluntary benefits offered include life, accident, critical illness coverage

Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans and Disabilities