Project Engineer - Heating & Refrigeration Solutions

GEA Group; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GEA is seeking a Project Engineer to oversee Heating & Refrigeration Solutions projects from installation through commissioning and handover, acting as the main interface between customers, vendors and internal teams to ensure safety, on-time delivery, within budget and to technical specs. Based in Janesville, WI, travel to project sites is expected.

Responsibilities include leading subcontractors, monitoring progress, preparing weekly reports, coordinating with Engineering, Supply Chain,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in a mechanical or refrigeration engineering field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial refrigeration, heating solutions, HVAC, or related engineering projects.
• Experience in site supervision, project execution, commissioning, and contractor management.
• Strong ability to read drawings, P&IDs, specs and BOQs.
• Fluent English communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise subcontractors, vendors, and site personnel.
• Monitor progress and update project schedules to meet milestones.
• Prepare weekly progress reports with status, risks, issues and mitigations.
• Coordinate with customers, contractors and internal teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage materials, BOQ, equipment deliveries and inventory.
• Oversee installation, start-up, testing and commissioning of systems.
• Conduct operator and end-user training for proper operation and safety.
• Execute project handover activities including as-built docs and punch-lists.
• Provide technical support during warranty and coordinate corrective actions.
• Ensure safety, quality and regulatory compliance on sites.
• Travel to project sites as required.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical engineering

HVAC/Refrigeration

MS Excel

Reading drawings/P&IDs

English communication

Site supervision

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor’s or Diploma in Mechanical/Refrigeration Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Scheduling software

Job description

The Project Engineer is responsible for overseeing the successful execution of Heating & Refrigeration Solutions (HRS) projects from installation through commissioning and handover. This role serves as the key interface between customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with technical specifications and quality standards.

• Lead and supervise subcontractors, vendors, and site personnel during project execution and installation activities.
• Monitor project progress and update project schedules to ensure milestones and delivery timelines are achieved.
• Prepare and submit weekly progress reports, highlighting project status, risks, issues, and mitigation actions to the Project Manager.
• Coordinate closely with customers, contractors, and internal teams including Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Sales throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage project materials, Bill of Quantities (BOQ), equipment deliveries, and inventory to ensure availability and cost control.
• Oversee equipment installation, start-up activities, testing, and commissioning of industrial refrigeration and heating systems.
• Conduct operator and end-user training to ensure proper system operation, maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Execute project handover activities, including preparation of as-built documentation, punch-list closure, and BAST (Project Acceptance/Handover Certificate).
• Monitor projects during the warranty period, providing technical support, coordinating corrective actions, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with company safety standards, quality requirements, and local regulatory obligations at all project sites.
• Support troubleshooting and technical problem-solving activities during installation and post-commissioning phases.
• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Industrial Refrigeration, Heating Solutions, HVAC, or related engineering project environments.
• Experience in site supervision, project execution, commissioning, and contractor management is highly preferred.
• Solid understanding of refrigeration systems, HVAC equipment, piping, mechanical installations, and industrial cooling solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and project documentation management; familiarity with MS Project or other scheduling tools is an advantage.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Strong coordination, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, technical specifications, and BOQs.
• Willing to travel extensively and work at project sites for extended periods when required.
• Comfortable working in demanding industrial environments and under time-sensitive project conditions.
• Demonstrates a proactive, hands-on approach with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ammonia (NH₃), CO₂, or other industrial refrigeration systems.
• Knowledge of refrigeration safety standards, commissioning procedures, and preventive maintenance practices.
• Experience working in food processing, cold storage, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, or industrial manufacturing environments.

At GEA, we design work to promote sustainable performance, balancing business outcomes with employee wellbeing through clear expectations, collaboration, development opportunities and healthy ways of working.