Refrigeration Engineer

Butterball; Mount Olive (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading poultry manufacturer in Mount Olive, NC is seeking a skilled refrigeration engineer to conduct evaluations, perform mechanical repairs on refrigeration equipment, and develop preventive maintenance programs. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in industrial refrigeration systems. Emphasis on safety, integrity, and continuous improvement is critical in this role. This position offers a dynamic working environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional experience in industrial refrigeration systems.
• Demonstrated ability to perform mechanical repairs on compressors.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering evaluations of refrigeration systems.
• Monitor and document operational parameters for efficiency.
• Perform mechanical repairs on refrigeration equipment.

Skills

Industrial refrigeration systems experience

Mechanical repairs on compressors

Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)

Job description

At Butterball, we exist to help people pass love on. As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 60 years of cherished memories, providing quality, great‑tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day. We proudly believe that life at Butterball means having a team who supports you, having the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and making an impact on the health of others daily. Whether you choose to work at one of our five manufacturing facilities in NC, AR, MO, farms in AR, NC, and KS, corporate office in NC, IL, or in the field, we believe we have an opportunity for everyone to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering evaluations and performance assessments of refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, and associated mechanical components.
• Monitor and document operational parameters, analyze system data, and implement engineering adjustments to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Perform mechanical repairs and troubleshooting on refrigeration equipment using engineering principles and technical specifications.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical and electrical issues in refrigeration and auxiliary systems through root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize computer‑based control systems for data entry, system monitoring, and control adjustments.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with food safety, environmental, and safety regulations.
• Prepare technical documentation, maintenance records, and engineering reports.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Professional experience in industrial refrigeration systems, preferably in food or meat processing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to perform mechanical repairs on compressors, condensers, and other refrigeration equipment.
• Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems, PSM/RMP compliance, and industrial safety standards.
• Proficiency in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and control interfaces.

Working Conditions

• Constant standing and walking (8 hours or more per day)
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to and including 50 lbs or more
• Reaching overhead
• Working from a ladder or raised platform
• Reaching below knees
• Ability to reasonably multitask
• Working with electricity, tools, and wiring
• Completing required paperwork in a timely manner
• Using material handling equipment as needed

Butterball Core Competencies

• Safety First: We put safety first. The health, safety, and well‑being of our people, products, and turkeys is everyone’s responsibility.
• Integrity: We trust each other to do the right thing through honesty, respect, and authenticity.
• Stewardship: We take care of what matters and are accountable for our commitments, our teams, our customers, and our communities.
• Enthusiastic Attitudes: We foster an environment where everyone feels they belong and can be engaged every day.
• Continuous Improvement: We constantly learn, develop, grow, improve, and innovate.

Disclaimer

We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer or upon request. The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties. They do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the employer’s discretion.