Product Development 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 & vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Sick leave

Jury duty leave

Career development

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Product Development Engineer to design and develop industrial refrigeration products, working with cross-functional teams to improve performance and manufacturability. The role emphasizes CAD design, prototyping, testing, and field validation.

You will collaborate with controls, electrical, and manufacturing teams to deliver integrated system solutions, while adhering to industry codes and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3–10+ years in engineering or product development, preferably in industrial refrigeration.
• Proficient in CAD software including AutoCAD and Inventor; understands refrigeration principles.
• Familiar with IIAR, ASME, and safety standards; able to analyze data and perform testing.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial refrigeration products, systems, and components.
• Create mechanical designs, assemblies, and drawings using CAD software.
• Evaluate and improve existing products for performance, reliability, and cost.
• Support prototype development, testing, validation, and field trials.
• Collaborate with controls and electrical teams on integrated solutions.
• Manage development projects from concept through production release.
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency and product innovation.

Skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Revit

ERP systems

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.

Job Role

The Product Development Engineer designs and develops industrial refrigeration products while working with cross-functional teams to improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability from concept through production.

Key Duties

Product Development & Design

• Design and develop new industrial refrigeration products, systems, and components.
• Create mechanical designs, assemblies, and detailed drawings using CAD software.
• Evaluate and improve existing products for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost reduction.
• Support prototype development, testing, validation, and field trials.
• Conduct engineering calculations related to thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, structural integrity, and refrigeration performance.
• Develop product specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation.

Engineering & Technical Support

• Ensure designs comply with applicable industry codes and standards including ASME, IIAR, ANSI, UL, and applicable safety regulations.
• Participate in hazard analysis, risk assessments, and design reviews.
• Collaborate with controls and electrical engineering teams on integrated system solutions.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for field or manufacturing issues.
• Provide technical guidance to manufacturing, service, and sales teams.

Project Management

• Manage multiple development projects from concept through production release.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors for component development and qualification.
• Track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) and stage-gate development processes.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Research emerging technologies and industry trends in industrial refrigeration.
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and product innovation.
• Support intellectual property development including patents and proprietary technologies.
• Contribute to standardization and engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
• 3-10+ years of engineering or product development experience, preferably in industrial refrigeration, HVAC/R, or process cooling systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
• Strong grasp of mechanical and refrigeration engineering principles
• Understanding of refrigeration cycles, thermodynamics, and heat transfer principles.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including welding, fabrication, and assembly.
• Knowledge of IIAR, ASME, and refrigeration safety standards.
• Experience with ERP systems and engineering documentation practices.
• Ability to analyze data, conduct testing, and solve complex engineering problems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Occasional travel to job sites may be required
• Ability to access manufacturing areas and industrial job sites safely.
• 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).

Preferences

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with Autodesk Revit software
• Experience with industrial natural refrigerant systems, including ammonia and CO2, preferred.
• Experience with packaged refrigeration systems or skid-mounted equipment.
• Familiarity with PLC-based control systems and refrigeration automation.
• Experience supporting product commercialization and manufacturing scale-up.

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