Senior Refrigeration Systems Engineer: Reliability Focus

US Foods

Knoxville (TN)

Hybrid

USD 110,000 - 175,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

US Foods seeks a Senior Refrigeration Systems Engineer to design, optimize, and manage complex refrigeration and related facility systems across multiple distribution centers. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive reliability, and advance modernization initiatives while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and energy efficiency.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in industrial refrigeration, ammonia/Freon experience, CMMS proficiency, and strong project leadership.

Qualifications

5 years of industrial refrigeration or cold chain engineering experience.
Demonstrated expertise in ammonia and Freon refrigeration systems, HVAC/mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance programs.
Experience managing multi-site operations and technical teams.
Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, PSM, IIAR, energy efficiency and automation.
Experience with CMMS systems, maintenance planning, and capital project execution.
Travel Approximately >40% during initial years.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of facility and operational systems to ensure reliability, efficiency, and business continuity.
Provide advanced technical expertise and support for infrastructure, automation, controls, mechanical, electrical, and integrated operational systems.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, EHS, and external vendors to identify and execute system improvements and strategic initiatives.
Monitor system performance, analyze trends, and develop solutions to improve uptime, reliability, capacity, and operational efficiency.
Lead root cause analysis efforts for system failures or operational disruptions and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
Develop and maintain engineering standards, technical documentation, operating procedures, and system specifications to support consistency and compliance across facilities.
Support capital projects, equipment installations, facility upgrades, and expansion initiatives from concept through implementation and startup.
Evaluate existing systems and recommend modernization strategies, process improvements, and emerging technologies to support operational goals.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and company standards related to system design, operation, and maintenance.
Collaborate with leadership to develop long-range infrastructure and equipment replacement strategies, including budgeting and capital planning support.
Serve as a technical resource and mentor to engineering, maintenance, and operational teams by providing guidance, training, and troubleshooting support.
Coordinate and manage external contractors, consultants, and vendors to ensure quality execution, project alignment, and cost effectiveness.
First line escalation support 24/7 between field site in region and HQ leadership teams.
Support project prioritization, budgeting, vendor selection, commissioning, and operational handoff activities.
Evaluate emerging refrigeration technologies, sustainability initiatives, and energy reduction opportunities.