Refrigeration Technician

Brothers Desserts; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Brothersdesserts is seeking a Refrigeration Technician to ensure safe operation, maintenance, and repair of ammonia-based refrigeration systems used in food manufacturing. The role emphasizes compliance with PSM/RMP, OSHA, FDA, GMPs, and company safety policies while maintaining plant efficiency.

You'll perform preventive maintenance, monitor systems, troubleshoot issues, document logs, and support audits with focus on safety and reliability in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration systems preferred.
• Knowledge of PSM/RMP regulations and ammonia safety practices.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on refrigeration equipment.
• Identify and repair leaks, faulty components, or system inefficiencies.
• Maintain proper documentation of system logs, readings, and corrective actions.

Skills

Industrial ammonia refrigeration

PSM/RMP compliance

Troubleshooting

Reading P&IDs & schematics

Manuals & documentation

On-call availability

Cold environments

Job description

The Refrigeration Technician is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and repair of the plant’s industrial refrigeration systems, with a strong focus on Ammonia (NH3) systems used in food manufacturing. This role ensures all refrigeration, HVAC, and related utility systems operate efficiently and in compliance with PSM/RMP, safety standards, and food-manufacturing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain ammonia refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, vessels, valves, and controls.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on all refrigeration equipment.
• Identify and repair leaks, faulty components, or system inefficiencies.
• Maintain proper documentation of system logs, readings, and any corrective actions.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all PSM (Process Safety Management) and EPA/RMP guidelines for ammonia systems.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, USDA, GMPs, and company safety policies.
• Support PSM documentation: SOPs, MOC (Management of Change), incident investigations, and training records.
• Participate in emergency response procedures related to ammonia and other utilities.

Utilities & Facility Support

• Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems, boilers, air compressors, chillers, water systems, and supporting utilities.
• Respond to equipment failures and urgency calls to minimize production downtime.
• Assist in system startups, shutdowns, calibrations, and seasonal transitions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate work orders, PM records, parts usage, and system logs.
• Report deviations, safety concerns, and equipment failures to leadership.
• Assist with audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• 2–5 years experience working with industrial ammonia refrigeration (food or cold-storage preferred).
• Knowledge of retail or industrial refrigeration systems: screw compressors, reciprocating compressors, evaporators, condensers, VFDs, and PLC-based controls.
• Understanding of PSM/RMP regulations and ammonia safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in cold/wet/hot environments and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Availability for on-call, weekends, or overtime as required.

Preferred

• CARO or CIRO certification (IIAR).
• RETA training or certification.
• Experience in food manufacturing, dairy, ice cream, or beverage processing.
• Knowledge of PLCs, automation, and control systems.

Core Competencies

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Teamwork and communication
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment
• Exposure to cold environments, ammonia, chemicals, loud noise, and manufacturing equipment.
• Use of PPE including respirators, goggles, gloves, and hearing protection.