Refrigeration Start-up Technician - Commercial & Industrial

CoolSys - Refrigeration and HVAC Systems; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 48,216 - 68,880; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay with bonuses

Ongoing education and training

Comprehensive medical benefits

Extra perks including tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading HVAC solutions provider in Knoxville, TN, is hiring a Refrigeration Start-up Technician to manage the start-up of refrigeration and HVAC systems in supermarkets. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in commercial refrigeration with proficiency in EMS systems. The role includes overseeing projects, educating junior staff, and ensuring efficient equipment operation. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge and excellent communication skills, alongside EPA certifications. Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of supermarket EMS systems experience.
• 5+ years of experience in commercial refrigeration.
• Expert knowledge of single and parallel compressor systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform start-up of supermarket refrigeration and HVAC equipment.
• Lead small projects and assist with Energy Optimization projects.
• Train junior technicians and foremen.

Skills

Expert knowledge of refrigeration

Good communication skills

Ability to efficiently troubleshoot

Strong mechanical aptitude

Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Coursework at an accredited vocational-technical or trade school

EMS Certification preferred

Tools

EPA I and II Certification

Valid Driver’s License

Job description

Overview

At CoolSys, we offer more than just a job—we provide stability, growth, and industry‑leading benefits for our employees. As a large company serving diverse customers, we invest in our team with:

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive pay $35-$50/hour (DEO) and sign‑on bonuses up to $3,000 (per location).
• Ongoing Education & Training: Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and paid online training.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage, paid vacation/holidays, and a 401(K) match with 100%.
• Year‑Round, Diverse Work: Stay engaged with consistent, interesting projects throughout the year, working across various industries and systems to keep learning and growing.
• Extra Perks: Quarterly bonus plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts on vehicles, hotels, theme parks, pet insurance, and more.

Responsibilities

Refrigeration Start‑up Technicians are responsible for start‑up of supermarket refrigeration, heating, and ventilation equipment to ensure customer needs are met efficiently, accurately, and on time as well as assist with Energy Optimization (EO) projects. The ideal candidate should know advanced solid‑state controls; oil systems safety controls; mechanical sub‑cooling; introduction to head pressure controls for energy reduction; introduction to energy management systems (EMS); refrigeration rack oil systems; advanced de‑frost diagnosis; and single and parallel compressor system start‑up in a supermarket environment. Technicians must carry the skillset of a Journeyman level which includes construction experience in performing installation of refrigeration systems including electrical, plumbing, and fixtures. The technician will function as the subject matter expert for processes, procedures, and projects.

• Performs evacuations of parallel racks after verifying pressure tests.
• Performs all EMS wiring and programming for all manufacturers of EMS systems.
• Performs full start‑up of new parallel refrigeration systems and individual systems.
• Lead small projects such as single case and condenser changeouts.
• Assists with EO projects which would include retro‑commissioning of supermarkets for system performance or utility programs, EMS upgrades, leak detection upgrades, and gas conversion projects.
• Works with local branch Service and Construction Managers between projects to assist in problematic stores, training for junior technicians and foremen, or other areas as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Coursework at an accredited vocational‑technical or trade school.
• 3+ years of supermarket EMS systems.
• EMS Certification preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in commercial refrigeration; especially experience with parallel rack systems *CO2 a Plus*
• Experience and proficient knowledge of supermarket refrigeration.
• EPA I and II Certification required.
• Valid Driver’s License is required at all times.
• Good driving record.
• Solid working knowledge of the use of the Microsoft suite of applications (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Expert knowledge of refrigeration, ice machines, and electrical systems.
• Expert knowledge of single systems, parallel racks systems, display cases, and walk‑ins.
• Ability to efficiently troubleshoot commercial and supermarket refrigeration equipment.
• Expert knowledge of EMS systems in supermarket applications for wiring and programming (CPC, Novar, Danfoss)
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Good communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with the customers, management, crew, and team.
• Knowledge of and ability to read blueprints on refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing.
• Ability to multi‑task effectively.
• Travel, overnight, and overtime work as needed.
• Ability to organize and prioritize your work schedule and the work schedules of others on a short‑term basis.

Coolsys is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including all ages, colors, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio‑economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics are encouraged to apply. Pre‑employment background screening (criminal and MVR for driving positions) and drug testing are required for all positions. Coolsys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with federal law, state law, or local ordinance.