Refrigeration Engineering Manager

Trident Seafoods; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Trident Seafoods is seeking a Refrigeration Engineering Manager to supervise and optimize industrial refrigeration systems onboard vessels and in processing facilities. You will lead maintenance, troubleshooting, and preventive programs for ammonia and Freon systems, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

The role requires strong leadership, hands-on technical skills, and the ability to coordinate with QA/QC and production teams to maintain product integrity and equipment

Qualifications

• Excellent time management with multi-tasking ability.
• Clear communication with technicians and supervisors.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for refrigeration systems.
• Ability to interpret technical bulletins and system schematics.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Operates refrigeration systems following procedures under the PSM program.
• Performs annual testing and calibrations of compressors, sensors, and controls.
• Oversees operators to maintain logs and MI inspections.
• Keeps records of repairs and parts replacements; initiates PO requests.
• Leads routine service, pre/post-season maintenance, and repairs of vessel refrigeration systems.
• Troubleshoots control systems during upsets and tests lines and components for leaks.
• Collaborates with production and QA/QC for optimal product flow.
• Tests system operation using gauges and instruments; performs mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
• Dismantles malfunctioning systems and repairs joints with appropriate tools.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Troubleshooting

Reading diagrams

Safety awareness

Education

AA degree or equivalent

EPA 608 Certification

Job description

Overview

Trident Seafoods is North America’s largest vertically integrated seafood company—partnering with fishermen, employees, and communities to responsibly harvest, process, and share wild Alaska seafood with the world. With deep roots in Alaska and operating across the globe, Trident is a privately held company headquartered in Seattle, committed to nourishing the world while upholding the highest standards for safety, sustainability, and excellence.

Trident Seafoods is North America’s largest vertically integrated seafood company—partnering with fishermen, employees, and communities to responsibly harvest, process, and share wild Alaska seafood with the world. With deep roots in Alaska and operating across the globe, Trident is a privately held company headquartered in Seattle, committed to nourishing the world while upholding the highest standards for safety, sustainability, and excellence. At Trident Seafoods, we work together for something bigger than ourselves. From nourishing the world with the best protein on earth to protecting our oceans, serving our fishermen, and supporting communities in Alaska and beyond, here, you’ll find a values-driven culture where your growth matters, your work has purpose and your contributions are recognized and appreciated—because at Trident, we believe meaningful work connects us all.

Responsibilities

Summary: The Refrigeration Engineering Manager is expected to supervise and maintain optimal operation of industrial refrigeration systems and associated equipment. This entails preventative maintenance on ammonia and freon systems. They will follow, and enforce operating procedures, oversee mechanical integrity inspections, perform troubleshooting during operational shutdowns & upsets, collaborate with management and QA/QC to verify optimal temperatures. This position will supervise, lead, and train others within the Engine Room.

Expected equipment to service are as follows; Control systems (Manual and Computerized), Plate Freezers, Spiral Freezers, Blast Freezers, Tunnel Freezers, Compressors, Condensers, Purgers, Pumps, RSW Chillers, Ice Machines, HCACR Freezers and Cooler units

Essential Functions: (Responsibilities, Tasks, Supervisory Needs)

• Operates the refrigeration system following operating and maintenance procedures laid out under the PSM program.
• Performs annual testing including but not limited to; compressor safeties, EPCS operation, transducer calibrations, RTD calibrations.
• Oversees operators and assistants to ensure they are maintaining daily system logs and other MI inspections for the PSM program.
• Keeps record of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions to include initiating purchase orders for parts.
• Leads routine service, pre & post season maintenance, and repair of the vessel refrigeration system to include adjusting or replacing worn or defective mechanisms and parts and reassemble repaired systems.
• Troubleshoots control systems when upsets occur including tests of lines, components, and connections for leaks.
• Collaborates with production and QA/QC to ensure optimal flow of product through the vessel factory.
• Observes and tests system operation using gauges and instruments.
• Performs mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
• Dismantles malfunctioning systems and test components, using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment.
• Brazes or solders parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
• Installs expansion and control valves, using acetylene torchers and wrenches and wiring to connect components to an electric power source.

The essential functions listed above are not exhaustive. The organization may assign other duties as needed to meet business requirements.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications (education, years of experience, KSAs)

• Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of industrial or commercial refrigeration experience (Freon or ammonia) or completion of an applicable apprenticeship program.
• 2 years of experience using general refrigeration competencies, including but not limited to ammonia and/or Freon systems repair.
• EPA 608 Certification required.

Preferred Education & Experiences

• One or more years of related experience and training in Seafood or related industries

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task while prioritizing work.
• Ability to communicate with service technicians remotely for troubleshooting when other options are exhausted.
• Ability to communicate with supervisors and management when there are issues with refrigeration systems
• Ability to interpret technical bulletins, service documents and system schematics
• Ability to read electrical ladder diagrams and knowledge of PLC or logic programs.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Work Ability Requirements

Must be capable of boarding and departing (exiting) a vessel without assistance by moving up or climbing a gangplank, the stern ramp of a vessel and/or a vertical ladder. Must be capable of boarding/departing the vessel by being lifted in a crane or manlift. May also enter and exit a skiff from a dock, plane, or a boat unassisted. Must meet at designated locations to receive instructions and place on a life jacket and an immersion suit without assistance in one minute or less. Must also move quickly without assistance to any designated lifeboat station.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision and peripheral vision.

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, including F-1 STEM-OPT authorization.

Stay connected with Trident Seafoods online at www.tridentseafoods.com and follow us on Facebook , X , Instagram , Pinterest , YouTube or LinkedIn

Trident Seafoods provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Trident Seafoods and its subsidiaries have adopted a drug-free workplace policy. Working under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol is not permitted.

Employment with Trident Seafoods is contingent upon the candidate maintaining valid immigration status and work authorization throughout employment, with or without immigration sponsorship by the company.