Refrigeration Technician

Brothers Desserts; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Brothers Desserts in Madison, WI is seeking a Refrigeration Technician to safely operate, maintain, and repair our plant’s ammonia refrigeration systems, with a focus on NH3 safety, PSM/RMP compliance, and food-manufacturing standards. You will troubleshoot equipment, perform preventative maintenance, document logs, and support system startups, shutdowns, and emergency response.

The role requires 2–5 years in industrial ammonia refrigeration, strong reading of P&IDs, and the ability to lift 50

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration; food manufacturing background preferred.
• Knowledge of retail or industrial refrigeration systems: compressors, evaporators, condensers.
• 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 the ability to work independently.
• Must be able to work in cold/wet/hot environments and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Availability for on-call, weekends, or overtime as required.

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.
• Follow PSM and EPA/RMP guidelines for ammonia systems and ensure safety compliance.
• Support startups/shutdowns, calibrations, and seasonal transitions.
• Respond to equipment failures to minimize production downtime.
• Assist with audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting as needed.

Skills

Industrial ammonia refrigeration

Troubleshooting

Maintenance planning

Documentation & reporting

Teamwork & communication

Safety & compliance

Reading P&IDs/blueprints

Tools

PLCs

Automation/control systems

VFDs

HVAC/refrigeration equipment

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.