Project Manager

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Lyndhurst (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Life insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. in Lyndhurst, NJ is seeking a Project Engineer to lead large-scale refrigeration projects from inception to commissioning.

You will ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while meeting safety and quality standards and maintaining strong client relationships. Responsibilities include directing project teams, coordinating with owners, general contractors and vendors, managing schedules, procurement, change orders, and regulatory compliance for ammonia and CO2

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience managing large-scale industrial refrigeration projects.
• Experience with ammonia/CO2 systems preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead large refrigeration projects from contract through commissioning.
• Act as primary client contact with owners and general contractors.
• Review contracts for scope and terms.
• Coordinate with trades to maintain schedule, budget, and quality.
• Develop and manage detailed project schedules.
• Oversee staffing and procurement to ensure on-time delivery.
• Manage change orders and cost control.
• Support design phase to align goals and milestones.
• Track material deliveries and vendor performance.
• Identify risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain records and provide leadership updates.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Negotiation

Communication skills

CAD familiarity

Project management software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Construction Management background

Tools

CAD software

Engineering drawings

Vendor coordination tools

Job description

Project Engineer

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 decision 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 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.