Production Associate

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Lyndhurst (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 15%

Medical insurance (company covers 75%)

Dental and vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid sick leave and bereavement leave

Weekly pay

Apprenticeship programs

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Production Associate to support construction operations at an active Harrisonburg, VA jobsite, then transition to Lyndhurst, VA for shop and field work.

Initial duties include safety practices, tool use, material handling, and basic industrial trade tasks. After training, the role expands to rigging, painting, insulation, grinding, sanding, brazing, and general shop duties, with a path to a formal state-licensed apprenticeship in Welding or

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic measurement knowledge and ability to read a tape measure.
• Mechanical aptitude, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a hands-on environment.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to work some Saturdays and overtime.
• Ability to pass a motor vehicle check.
• Must pass pre-employment and regular drug screening (safety-sensitive position).
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand, bend, crouch, and kneel for extended periods of time.

Responsibilities

• Support general construction activities and jobsite setup.
• Safely handle and move materials, tools, and equipment.
• Assist crews with cleanup and material staging.
• Safely rig equipment and materials.
• Operate fork trucks as needed.
• Perform grinding, sanding, and brazing.
• Paint system components and piping.
• Apply pipe and system insulation.
• Maintain safety and housekeeping in the shop.
• Transition to a state-licensed apprenticeship program after baseline training.

Skills

Basic measurement

Tape measure reading

Mechanical aptitude

Reliability

Willingness to learn

Overtime willingness

Education

High school diploma

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 Production Associate position begins with an initial assignment supporting general construction operations at an active jobsite in Harrisonburg, VA. During this phase, employees will assist with construction-related activities while gaining hands-on experience with jobsite safety practices, tool usage, material handling, and industrial trade fundamentals.

Upon successful completion of the Harrisonburg project, employees will transition into the Production Associate role based in Lyndhurst, VA, supporting a variety of shop and field activities including rigging, painting, insulation, grinding, sanding, brazing, and general shop duties.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn in both construction and shop environments. After completing six to nine months of baseline training, apprentices may have the opportunity to transition into a formal state-licensed apprenticeship program in Welding or Industrial Electricity.

Key Duties

• Support general construction activities
• Safely handle and move materials, tools, and equipment
• Assist crews with jobsite setup, cleanup, and material staging
• Safely rig equipment and materials
• Operate fork trucks as needed
• Perform grinding, sanding, and brazing
• Paint system components and piping
• Apply pipe and system insulation
• Maintain good housekeeping and safety compliance in the shop
• Perform other duties as assigned by management
• Transition to a state-licensed apprenticeship program after baseline training

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic measurement knowledge and ability to read a tape measure
• Mechanical aptitude, reasoning, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to learn and grow in a hands-on environment
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Willingness to work some Saturdays and overtime
• Ability to pass a motor vehicle check
• Must pass pre-employment and regular drug screening (safety-sensitive position)
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand, bend, crouch, and kneel for extended periods of time.
• Must have the physical stamina to perform repetitive motions and remain on feet for most of the shift.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate tools accurately and safely.

Preferences

• Career-oriented individuals with leadership potential
• Prior hands-on experience in mechanical, industrial, or construction settings
• Desire to pursue a formal apprenticeship in welding or industrial electricity

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