Project Engineer

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Lyndhurst (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous retirement plan

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. seeks a Project Engineer to lead large-scale refrigeration projects from inception to commissioning, ensuring on-time delivery within budget and safety standards.

You will manage client relationships and cross-functional teams, coordinating with suppliers and regulatory compliance experts to meet ammonia/CO2 system requirements. You will drive schedules, procurement, and risk management while maintaining rigorous documentation and reporting to leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5–7 years’ experience leading large refrigeration/industrial construction projects.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional teams.
• Strong negotiation and budgeting skills.
• Ability to work independently within project constraints.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Strong communication with clients and contractors.
• Familiarity with CAD drawings and project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead large refrigeration projects from award through commissioning.
• Serve as primary client contact with owners and general contractors.
• Review contracts for scope and terms compliance.
• Coordinate with trades to stay on schedule, budget, and quality.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules.
• Oversee staffing and procurement to ensure on-time delivery.
• Build relationships with vendors for cost-effective materials.
• Manage scope and change orders to satisfy customers while controlling costs.
• Support engineering during design to align with milestones.
• Monitor material deliveries and schedules with procurement.
• Identify and manage project risks; ensure regulatory compliance for ammonia/CO2 systems.
• Maintain records of contracts, change orders, schedules, and budgets for leadership.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Negotiation

Communication

CAD familiarity

Project management software

Budget management

Team coordination

Education

BS Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or related

Tools

CAD software

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

Job Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Project Engineer to lead large-scale refrigeration projects from inception to commissioning. In this pivotal role, you will ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards, all while meeting customer specifications. Your leadership and organizational expertise will be key to successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously and maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Duties

• Lead and manage large-scale refrigeration construction projects from contract award through to commissioning and final punch list completion.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, including owners and general contractors, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project expectations.
• Review and manage project contracts to ensure compliance with scope, terms, and conditions.
• Collaborate with diverse trades and teams to guarantee projects stay on track in terms of quality, budget, and timelines.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules that align with overall contractor timelines.
• Oversee staffing needs and manage procurement of materials, tools, and equipment, ensuring on-time delivery to project sites.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with both national and local vendors to ensure cost-effective procurement of materials.
• Manage project scope and handle change orders effectively, maintaining customer satisfaction while controlling costs.
• Support engineering teams during the design phase to ensure alignment with project goals and milestones.
• Coordinate with purchasing departments to monitor material deliveries and schedules.
• Proactively identify and manage project risks to ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, particularly concerning ammonia and CO2-based refrigeration systems.
• Maintain meticulous records of all project aspects, including contracts, change orders, schedules, and budgets, providing regular updates to leadership and clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME preferred), Construction Management, or a related field. Equivalent experience in construction project management will be considered.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience managing large-scale industrial refrigeration or related projects (e.g., HVAC, commercial refrigeration, or heavy industrial construction).
• Proven leadership abilities, with experience managing cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Strong negotiation skills to ensure cost-effective procurement and the ability to solve complex issues independently within project constraints.
• The ability to make independent business decisions within budget, seeking guidance only when dealing with exceptionally difficult issues
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage client expectations and provide clear updates on project progress.
• Proficiency in project management software and familiarity with CAD and engineering drawings.

Preferences

• Expertise in ammonia and CO2-based refrigeration systems, with a deep understanding of relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Professional Engineering License.

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 payCompetitive 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.

If you are driven to succeed and want to be part of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of the industry, apply today!