Refrigeration Engineer

Pilgrim's; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 109,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage

Paid time off

401(k) company match

Annual bonus plan eligibility

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Pilgrim’s is seeking a Refrigeration Engineer / Refrigeration Project Engineer to lead ammonia refrigeration initiatives across sites. You will design, implement and manage CAPEX projects, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The role demands a strong refrigeration engineering background, proficiency in AutoCAD, P&IDs interpretation, PSM/IIAR/ASHRAE codes, and willingness to travel to Pilgrim’s facilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in design and construction of Ammonia Refrigeration systems.
• Competent with AutoCAD.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
• Ability to read P&IDs and Block Flow diagrams.
• Engineering calculations for ammonia systems and balances.
• Willing to travel and relocate to a Pilgrim’s facility.
• Knowledge of OSHA PSM and IIAR/ASHRAE codes and standards.
• Experience with PHAs and process safety management.

Responsibilities

• Promote safe processes, projects, products and people per OSHA practices.
• Develop and implement CAPEX ammonia refrigeration projects across sites.
• Refrigeration system design: equipment selection, piping, controls, sizing.
• Troubleshoot and recommend safe operation of ammonia systems.
• Perform system calculations: heat loads, energy balance, air balance.
• Apply regulatory standards to design and construction.
• Lead change management and participate in PHAs and RCAs.
• Travel to Pilgrim’s sites to ensure safe operation and implementation.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

P&ID reading

Engineering calculations

Safety compliance

Bilingual English/Spanish

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Chemical Eng.

Tools

AutoCAD

APSM (PSM software)

Job description

Description

Refrigeration Engineer / Refrigeration Project Engineer

At Pilgrim’s,Safety IsACondition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.

• There is ONE position available and can be located at or close to any Pilgrim’s facility!

Requirements/Responsibilities

The Refrigeration Engineer / Refrigeration Project Engineer is responsible for performing the following duties within his/her area of responsibility:

• Working with all Pilgrims sites to promote Safe Processes, Projects, Products and People through use of OSHA safe work practices
• Development and Implementation of CAPEX Ammonia Refrigeration projects for all Pilgrims sites. Including but not limited to Budgeting, Scope Development, Drawings, management of contractors for the execution / construction of the system, and project close-out per Pilgrims CAPEX program
• Refrigeration System Design including but not limited to: equipment selection, piping diagrams, system controls, pipe sizing, and all applicable codes and standards
• Ability to troubleshoot and make recommendations for the safe and effective operation of ammonia refrigeration systems and equipment
• Ability to complete required system calculations including: room & process heat loads, mass & energy balance for the system, air balance, and psychrometrics
• Understand the OSHA PSM codes and Standards and ensure safe design and implementation / construction of Ammonia Refrigeration systems and equipment
• Understand and utilize the IIAR/ANSI/ASHRAE codes and standards as they apply to the construction and operation of the ammonia refrigeration system
• Participate in the Management of Change procedures and standards for all changes made to the ammonia refrigeration systems
• Participate in Process Hazards Analysis (PHAs) for Pilgrims’ sites as required
• Participate and help lead / drive the completion / resolution of all PSM / RMP recommendations and other related issues as required
• Participate in Incident Investigations using Root Cause Analysis for reported Ammonia leaks as required
• Help sites within the company continually improve their PSM / RMP programs
• Maintain knowledge on all new refrigeration codes and standards
• Tracking and updating all Process Safety Information any time there is a change to the systems
• Travel to Pilgrim’s sites as required to ensure proper operation, safety, and compliance
• Travel to Pilgrim’s sites as required for the safe implementation / construction of ammonia refrigeration systems
• Other related duties as required

Basic Qualifications

• Experience in the design and construction of Ammonia Refrigeration systems
• Competent with the use AutoCAD
• English/Spanish bi-lingual a plus
• Basic knowledge of the operations of Ammonia Refrigeration / Thermodynamic systems
• Ability to complete engineering calculations for ammonia inventory, relief valve design, load and energy balances, ventilation requirements and releases
• Experience with six sigma, total predictive maintenance (TPM), Operational Excellence (OE) or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred
• Experience using APSM or similar PSM compliance software
• Ability to read and interpret Piping and Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs) and Block Flow diagrams
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals professionally
• Ability to present information and communicate effectively to all levels of management
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Detailed oriented and self-motivated
• Proven project management and change management skills
• Ability to apply and interpret regulatory standards and consensus standards to situations not specifically addressed by the standards
• Demonstrated ability to respond to crises in an effective and timely manner
• Must be willing to travel.
• Must be willing to relocate to a Pilgrim’s facility or live within the vicinity of a Pilgrim’s facility.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field preferred

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
• Base Salary range of $108,714.00 - 132,086.70
• Incentive Pay:This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan; the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program; and
• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs;
• Better Futures

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About us: Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.

Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets