Industrial Refrigeration Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Career advancement

Safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Refrigeration Engineer for its Upington plant in the Northern Cape. The role focuses on maintaining and optimizing ammonia and Freon refrigeration systems, including compressors, evaporators, condensers, and controls, to ensure reliable production.

You will lead preventive maintenance, diagnose faults, implement energy-saving adjustments, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience with industrial refrigeration systems.
• Experience with ammonia and/or Freon-based systems.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and control systems.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to work shifts/on-call.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections, diagnostics, and repairs on industrial refrigeration equipment.
• Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs.
• Troubleshoot compressors, evaporators, condensers, and piping.
• Monitor performance and optimize energy consumption.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance for refrigerants.
• Install and commission new equipment and upgrades.
• Maintain records of maintenance and performance data.
• Provide technical guidance to operators and maintenance staff.
• Respond to emergency refrigeration failures.
• Stay updated with industry advancements.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Energy optimization

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Refrigeration control software

PLCs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the food and beverage processing industry, is seeking a highly skilled Industrial Refrigeration Engineer to join their operations in Upington , Northern Cape. This role is essential for maintaining and optimizing the complex refrigeration systems that are critical to the company's production processes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of industrial-scale ammonia and freon refrigeration systems, including evaporators, compressors, condensers, and control systems. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of these systems, minimizing downtime and preventing costly product loss. This position requires a proactive approach to maintenance, advanced troubleshooting skills, and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance. The role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a demanding yet rewarding environment. The successful candidate will be a key member of the engineering team, contributing directly to the operational success of the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform regular inspections, diagnostics, and repairs on industrial refrigeration equipment.
• Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs for all refrigeration systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to compressors, evaporators, condensers, and associated piping.
• Monitor system performance and efficiency, implementing adjustments to optimize energy consumption.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols and environmental regulations related to refrigeration handling and system operation.
• Install and commission new refrigeration equipment and system upgrades.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repair logs, and system performance data.
• Provide technical support and guidance to plant operators and maintenance staff.
• Respond to emergency calls related to refrigeration system failures.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in industrial refrigeration technology and best practices.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent trade qualification (e.g., Artisan Refrigeration).
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience with industrial refrigeration systems, specifically ammonia and/or Freon based systems.
• Proven ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical faults in complex refrigeration machinery.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and control systems related to refrigeration.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for handling refrigerants and working with high-pressure systems.
• Experience with refrigeration control software and PLCs is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong communication skills.
• Willingness to work shifts or be on call as required for operational needs in Upington.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package that recognizes the specialized skills and experience required for this role. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company are available. Employees will benefit from working in a technologically advanced facility and contribute to a vital sector of the economy. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are provided. The company fosters a culture of safety and continuous improvement. This role in Upington presents a stable and challenging career opportunity with a respected industry leader. Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates. The benefits reflect our client's commitment to employee welfare and long-term retention.