Lead Industrial Refrigeration Engineer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development & certs

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Industrial Refrigeration Engineer to provide high-level technical oversight for large-scale refrigeration projects from a home office near Klerksdorp, South Africa. You will design, implement, and optimize ammonia, Freon, and CO2 systems while guiding teams and ensuring safety and efficiency across client sites.

The role requires 8+ years in industrial refrigeration with a strong background in thermodynamics, control systems (PLC/DCS), and project leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or related field is required.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum 8 years in industrial refrigeration engineering with 3+ years in lead/senior role.
• Experience with screw compressors, centrifugal chillers, cascade systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, engineering, and implementation of industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia, Freon, CO2).
• Provide expert technical consultation to project teams and clients.
• Develop and review P&IDs, equipment specs, and control strategies.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and performance testing of systems.
• Conduct audits to identify efficiency, cost, and safety improvements.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs for refrigeration assets.
• Troubleshoot remote issues and guide on-site resolution.
• Ensure designs comply with safety codes (OSHA, ASME) and environmental laws.
• Mentor junior engineers and stay updated on industry trends.
• Stay aligned with clients and cross-functional teams on project goals.

Skills

Industrial refrigeration

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid dynamics

PLC/DCS control

Safety codes

Project management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial process management and optimization, is seeking an exceptional Lead Industrial Refrigeration Engineer to join their forward-thinking team. Operating remotely, this role is critical for providing high-level technical oversight and strategic guidance for our clients' large-scale refrigeration infrastructure. Based from your home office, ideally near Klerksdorp , you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing complex industrial refrigeration systems. This leadership position requires a profound understanding of thermodynamic principles, advanced control systems, and the ability to drive efficiency and safety across diverse industrial applications. You will play a key role in project planning, technical consultation, and ensuring the seamless operation of critical cooling processes for major industrial players.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, engineering, and implementation of industrial-scale refrigeration systems, including ammonia, Freon, and CO2 based systems.
• Provide expert technical consultation and support to project teams and clients on refrigeration technologies and best practices.
• Develop and review detailed P&IDs, equipment specifications, and control strategies for refrigeration plants.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and performance testing of new refrigeration systems.
• Conduct comprehensive system audits and analyses to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, cost savings, and enhanced safety.
• Develop and implement advanced preventative and predictive maintenance programs for refrigeration assets.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues remotely and provide expert guidance for on-site resolution.
• Ensure all designs and operations comply with industry standards, safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, ASME), and environmental protection laws.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff involved in refrigeration projects.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in industrial refrigeration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial refrigeration engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior technical role.
• Extensive knowledge of various industrial refrigeration systems (e.g., screw compressors, centrifugal chillers, cascade systems).
• Proficiency in thermodynamic principles, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics as applied to refrigeration.
• Experience with advanced process control systems (PLC/DCS) for refrigeration applications.
• Strong understanding of safety codes and regulations relevant to industrial refrigeration.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills.
• Superb analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients and diverse technical teams.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary package of R per annum , commensurate with the extensive experience and leadership required.
• As a fully remote position, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from your home base, ideally situated near Klerksdorp .
• Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent medical insurance, a generous retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for continuous professional development and further certifications.
• Join a prestigious organization at the forefront of industrial innovation and contribute your expertise to significant national projects.