Lead Refrigeration Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Refrigeration Engineer to oversee and optimize large-scale industrial cooling systems in Cape Town. You will lead a team of technicians, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance across ammonia and HFC-based installations.

Join a dynamic, safety-driven environment offering opportunities for professional growth, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and a supportive roadmap for career advancement within the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in industrial refrigeration engineering with track record.
• Strong knowledge of ammonia and HFC refrigerants.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and technical docs.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Relevant Mechanical Engineering degree or trade certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of refrigeration technicians.
• Oversee installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial systems.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs to ensure reliability.
• Diagnose complex system issues and implement solutions.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Manage spare parts inventory and procurement.
• Interpret technical drawings and manufacturer specs.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate resolutions.
• Mentor junior staff and drive continuous improvement.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to ensure satisfaction.

Skills

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

P&IDs reading

Strong communication

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Ammonia systems

HFC refrigerants

Industrial refrigeration equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the industrial services sector, is actively seeking an experienced and dedicated Lead Refrigeration Engineer to oversee operations in the vibrant city of Cape Town . This role is crucial for managing, troubleshooting, and optimizing large-scale refrigeration systems used in commercial and industrial applications, including cold storage facilities and food processing plants. You will be responsible for leading a team of technicians, ensuring adherence to stringent safety protocols, and driving efficiency in all aspects of refrigeration system maintenance and repair. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a respected organization, contributing to the smooth functioning of essential services across the Western Cape region, specifically within the diverse business landscape of Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of refrigeration technicians, providing guidance and technical support.


• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex industrial refrigeration systems, including ammonia and HFC-based systems.


• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to ensure system reliability and minimize operational disruptions.


• Conduct thorough system diagnostics, identifying and resolving complex technical issues.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.


• Manage spare parts inventory and procurement for refrigeration equipment.


• Review and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and manufacturer specifications.


• Respond to emergency calls and coordinate rapid resolution of critical issues.


• Train and mentor junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill development.


• Liaise with clients and internal stakeholders to provide updates and ensure satisfaction.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (7+ years) as a Refrigeration Engineer or similar role, with a proven track record in industrial applications.


• Strong understanding of industrial refrigeration cycles, components, and troubleshooting techniques.


• Experience with ammonia and various HFC refrigerants is essential.


• Relevant trade certification or a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.


• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.


• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical documentation and P&IDs.


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Strong communication and organizational skills.


• Valid driver's license.


• Commitment to safety and environmental best practices.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package commensurate with experience.


• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement fund contributions.


• Generous annual leave allowance.


• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.


• Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and equipment.


• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in Cape Town .


• Potential for career advancement within a growing enterprise.