Senior Refrigeration Technician (Chicago)

Innovative Refrigeration Systems; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 15%

Medical insurance 75%

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short-term disability insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. in Chicago is seeking a Senior Service Technician to maintain, repair, and support industrial refrigeration systems on client sites.

You will apply expertise in refrigeration and electrical controls, lead safety initiatives, and deliver proactive service with strong customer communication. The role requires 5+ years of relevant experience, EPA certification, and the ability to work 10–12 hour days with potential lifting.

Qualifications

• Must have more than 5 years of relevant experience
• HVAC/R or electrical schooling preferred
• EPA certification required or ability to obtain
• RETA 1&2 certification preferred
• Physical stamina for long shifts and lifting up to 75 lb

Responsibilities

• Provide expert repair and maintenance for industrial refrigeration systems
• Perform routine and emergency service, diagnostics, and inspections
• Troubleshoot and repair control systems, alarms, and electrical systems
• Mentor and support apprentice technicians
• Communicate with Service Managers and customers to coordinate repairs

Skills

Electrical controls

Troubleshooting

Safety leadership

Customer service

Mentoring apprentices

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

HVAC/R schooling preferred

Job description

At Innovative, innovation isn't just part of our name —it's the mindset that drives everything we do.We are built by people who take ownership, challenge the status quo,and create solutions that keep the world's most critical industries running.From engineering and fabrication to installation and service,our teams collaborate to solve complex challenges with creativity, precision, and purpose.We invest in people who are passionate about making an impact,fostering a culture where innovation thrives, careers grow,and great teams build extraordinary solutions together.

Senior Refrigeration Technician (Chicago)

Details:

Salary: $45-65 per hour

Posted: 2026-10-16

Employee Type: full-time

Experience Required: 5+ Years

Education Required: HVAC/R or Electrical schooling preferred

Travel Required: Yes

Description:

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission-critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.

Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.

Job Role: The Senior Service Technician is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and support of industrial refrigeration systems at customer sites. A working knowledge of commercial & industrial refrigeration and electrical controls is required to be successful in this role. Senior Technicians are expected to demonstrate leadership in safety, technical knowledge, and customer service.

Key Duties:

• Provide expert repair and maintenance for industrial ammonia and Freon refrigeration systems ranging from 100 HP to 5,000 HP.
• Perform routine and emergency service, diagnostics, and inspections on screw and reciprocal compressors.
• Troubleshoot and repair control systems, alarms, and electrical systems.
• Maintain compliance with safety standards and company policies, including use of PPE and respirators.
• Communicate clearly with Service Managers and customers to coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Mentor and support apprentice technicians in developing skills and maintaining service quality.

Requirements:

• Must be a high school graduate or have attained a GED, HVAC tech school preferred
• Must have more than 5 years of relevant experience
• Universal EPA certification OR ability to obtain
• RETA 1&2 certification preferred
• This position is a safety-sensitive position and will require pre-employment and regular drug testing
• Excellent physical condition as you will be required to climb ladders, wear a respirator, work 10 to 12-hour days, and occasional heavy lifting.
• Must be able to wear a respirator and pass a fit test
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand, bend, crouch, and kneel for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying conditions (heat, cold, dust, noise).
• Must have the physical stamina to perform repetitive motions and remain on feet for most of the shift.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate tools accurately and safely.

Preferences:

• RETA 1 & 2 certifications.
• Proven experience in a senior or lead technician role.

In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee-focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work–life balance:

• Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
• 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
• Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance}