Start-Up Refrigeration Service Technician (Tampa)

Kelso Industries; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & benefits

Career development opportunities

Steady work with regional & national clients

Holidays

Referral Bonus

Job summary

A leading HVAC solutions provider is seeking a Start-Up Refrigeration Service Technician in Tampa to commission and optimize supermarket refrigeration systems. The role requires 5+ years of experience and extensive travel. Ideal candidates will have expertise with supermarket rack systems and EPA certification. Competitive pay and growth opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• 5+ years commercial refrigeration service experience, including commissioning/start‑up responsibilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively and adapt to demanding project schedules.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency best practices and refrigerant compliance regulations.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools, gauges, and data logging.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively and adapt to schedules.

Responsibilities

• Commission, test, and optimize supermarket refrigeration systems.
• Lead the start-up and commissioning of refrigeration racks and HVAC/R equipment.
• Train store staff or client representatives on system operation.
• Calibrate EMS/BAS integration with refrigeration equipment.
• Conduct full operational checks of electrical, mechanical, and controls.
• Document commissioning data and turnover reports.
• Act as primary field contact with clients, GCs, and stakeholders.
• Train store staff or client representatives on system operation.

Skills

Commercial refrigeration service experience

Strong expertise with supermarket rack systems

Ability to interpret complex schematics

Communication and leadership skills

Start-up commissioning

Education

EPA Universal Certification

OSHA 10/30 certification

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Gauges

Honeywell

Novar

VFDs

Job description

Join to apply for the Start-Up Refrigeration Service Technician (Tampa) role at Kelso Industries

During the last 3 weeks, we invite 25 top applicants to apply.

At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

• Employment type: Full-Time
• Location: Tampa, FL
• Travel requirements: Extensive
• Key tags: Supermarket Start-Up | Service | Commissioning

Position Overview

We are seeking an advanced Start-Up Refrigeration Service Technician to commission, test, and optimize complex supermarket and commercial refrigeration systems. This role goes beyond traditional service work—you’ll be the final authority in bringing new refrigeration projects online, ensuring systems are safe, efficient, and performance‑ready.

About The Company

DHR Mechanical Services is a trusted name in commercial refrigeration and HVAC solutions across the Southeast. Since 1997, we’ve delivered quality craftsmanship, safety, and long‑term customer partnerships for supermarkets, warehouses, healthcare, hospitality, and more. Our teams specialize in high‑stakes refrigeration installs, retrofits, and service — and we’re hiring for our elite start‑up team to ensure new systems run flawlessly from day one.

What You’ll Do

• Travel frequently out of town to project sites across the Southeast
• Work flexible shifts, including nights
• Lead the start-up and commissioning of supermarket refrigeration racks, walk‑ins, display cases, and associated HVAC/R equipment
• Charge, evacuate, and tune refrigerant systems for optimal efficiency and performance
• Calibrate and verify EMS/BAS integration with refrigeration equipment
• Conduct full operational checks: electrical, mechanical, and controls verification
• Balance loads, confirm defrost cycles, and validate alarms and safety protections
• Document commissioning data, performance benchmarks, and turnover reports
• Act as primary field contact with clients, GC’s, and internal stakeholders during start-up
• Train store staff or client representatives on system operation where required

What You Bring

• 5+ years commercial refrigeration service experience, including commissioning/start‑up responsibilities
• Strong expertise with supermarket rack systems, EMS/BAS controls (Danfoss, Emerson, Honeywell, Novar, etc.), and VFDs
• EPA Universal Certification required
• Ability to interpret complex schematics, wiring diagrams, and sequence of operations
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools, gauges, digital reporting, and data logging
• Strong communication, leadership, and client‑facing skills
• Willingness to travel extensively and adapt to demanding project schedules

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 Years supermarket refrigeration experience, including commissioning/start‑up responsibilities
• Prior commissioning/start‑up role in supermarket refrigeration projects
• Factory training or certification on EMS/BAS platforms (Danfoss AK, Emerson E2, Honeywell, etc.)
• OSHA 10/30 certification (preferred)
• Knowledge of energy efficiency best practices and refrigerant compliance regulations
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Why DHR Mechanical?

• Competitive pay & benefits (401k, health insurance, paid vacation, holidays, generous referral bonus)
• Year‑round, steady work with regional & national clients
• Career development opportunities and specialized training
• Work with an elite “start‑up” team delivering mission‑critical refrigeration projects
• Reputation for excellence, safety, and long‑term growth

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high‑performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here You Will Experience

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.

Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well‑being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business.