Senior Refrigeration Engineer (Non-Skillbridge)

The KYO Group; Marietta (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The KYO Group in the United States is seeking a skilled Refrigeration Engineer to design cascade vapor‑compression systems for cold storage platforms. You will work with NPD design leadership and cross‑functional peers to define system specifications and validate performance.

You will develop and execute test plans, analyze thermal behavior, and collaborate with manufacturing to ensure design for assembly and cost targets, while traveling up to 10% domestically as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, systems, chemical engineering, physics, or related discipline.
• Coursework in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics preferred.
• 5+ years hands-on experience developing vapor-compression systems for cold storage or HVAC/R.
• Experience with natural low-GWP refrigerants in system designs.
• Experience in thermal system modeling, simulation, and performance testing.
• Familiarity with data acquisition, automated testing, and technical documentation.
• Lean / PPI methodologies and continuous improvement experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop cascade vapor-compression systems for cold storage.
• Develop specifications for system-level and component performance.
• Create test plans to validate refrigeration systems using reliability tools.
• Ensure designs meet customer requirements, time-to-market, and target costs.
• Create modular, scalable refrigeration solutions across platforms.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls teams during development.
• Deliver TRL maturation and support NPD introductions.
• Support Design for Assembly and Design for Manufacturing.

Skills

Vapor‑compression systems

Cascade refrigeration

Thermodynamics & heat transfer

Data analysis & empirical testing

Cross‑functional collaboration

Lean / continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Thermodynamics / Heat Transfer / Fluid Mechanics coursework

Tools

EES

Thermal modeling software

Refrigerant properties knowledge

Job description

In this hands‑on role, you will collaborate with other refrigeration engineers and technicians to deliver high-performance, energy‑efficient, and compliant cooling solutions. You will partner closely with NPD design leadership and cross functional peers in Product Management, Controls Engineering, Quality, and Regulatory to define refrigeration systems, maintain traceability, and ensure products meet customer, performance, and regulatory expectations throughout the product lifecycle.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Design and develop cascade vapor‑compression systems used in ULT freezers and cold storage platforms.

Develop specifications for system‑level, subsystem and component performance.

Develop and execute test plans to validate the performance of newly developed refrigeration systems by utilizing design for reliability tools and performance sensitivity analysis.

Design refrigeration systems that meet customer requirements, time to market commitments and that are within the target cost of the projects.

Create modular, scalable, and reusable refrigeration solutions across multiple product platforms.

Simulation, Modeling & Innovation

Analyze the thermal behavior of the refrigeration system with thermo‑physical tools for component selection and overall refrigeration system design.

Complete design trade studies using modeling and empirical data to optimize system performance and energy consumption.

Participate in advanced development initiatives to mature next‑generation refrigeration technologies as assigned.

Product Development & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering teams during technology development.

Deliver TRL maturation of innovative technologies and solutions prior to NPD introduction.

Partner with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure Design for Assembly and Design for Manufacturing.

Contribute to component, sub‑system, and system‑level technology roadmaps.

Requirements, Compliance & Traceability

Complete verification activity to confirm traceability from customer and regulatory requirements

Ensure refrigeration designs are Designed for Compliance to meet regulatory and certification requirements (e.g., UL, IEC, FDA, CE, CSA, Energy Star).

People and Culture

Engage in a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Travel: Up to 10% domestic travel.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or related discipline

Coursework in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics strongly preferred

Experience:

5+ years of hands‑on experience developing vapor‑compression systems for cold storage or HVAC/R products, cascade systems preferred.

Experience using natural refrigerants and other low GWP refrigerants in system designs.

Experience with thermal system modeling, simulation, and performance testing

Experience analyzing empirical test data to guide design decisions

Familiarity with data acquisition systems, automated testing, and technical documentation

Familiarity with Lean / PPI methodologies and continuous improvement systems

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Fundamental understanding of vapor‑compression and cascade refrigeration systems

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and root‑cause analysis skills

Competency in using engineering tools such as EES, thermal modeling software, and refrigerant properties and selection

Knowledge of refrigeration system testing methods and equipment

Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills

Excellent organizational skills in a fast‑paced, multi‑project environment

Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence