Senior Refrigeration Technician (Chicago)

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan with up to 15%?

Company-paid life insurance

Medical insurance with substantial %s

Dental and vision insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Weekly pay

Paid vacation and holidays

Jury duty leave and bereavement leave

Apprenticeship programs and training

Employee discounts on services

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. in Chicago seeks a Senior Service Technician to maintain, repair, and support industrial refrigeration systems at customer sites.

A working knowledge of commercial and industrial refrigeration and electrical controls is required; leadership in safety and customer service is expected. Key duties include expert repair for ammonia and Freon systems, diagnostics on compressors, and mentoring apprentices.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; HVAC tech school preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in industrial refrigeration/maintenance.
• Universal EPA certification or ability to obtain it.
• RETA 1 & 2 certifications preferred.
• This is a safety-sensitive role with pre-employment drug testing.
• Ability to climb, lift up to 75 lbs, and work long shifts in varied conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and support industrial refrigeration systems at customer sites (ammonia and Freon).
• Perform routine and emergency service, diagnostics, and inspections on compressors.
• Troubleshoot control systems, alarms, and electrical systems; ensure safety standards.
• Coordinate repairs with Service Managers and customers; mentor apprentices.
• Lead by example in safety, technical excellence, and customer service.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Safety leadership

Troubleshooting experience

Electrical controls understanding

Mentoring / leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

HVAC tech school preferred

EPA Universal certification

RETA 1/2 certification preferred

Tools

Electrical control systems

Job description

Senior Service Technician

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.

Innovative 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.
• Motor alignment experience.
• Proven experience in a senior or lead technician role.

Benefits

• 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
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Weekly pay
• Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
• Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
• Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services