Lead Refrigeration Engineer - Cold Storage Facilities

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

International training & certification

Advanced diagnostic tools

Hybrid work accommodation/travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Refrigeration Engineer to oversee critical cold storage operations in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will lead technicians, drive maintenance programs, and ensure safety and environmental compliance across ammonia and Freon systems.

The role demands strong leadership, deep refrigeration knowledge, and the ability to optimize performance within a demanding cold-chain environment. Competitive compensation and opportunities for international training are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years in industrial refrigeration engineering with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Deep knowledge of industrial refrigeration, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Experience with ammonia refrigeration systems is highly desirable.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair large refrigeration units, compressors, condensers, and evaporators.
• Strong understanding of electrical and control systems in refrigeration machinery.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of safety standards (e.g., OSHA) and local environmental regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Familiarity with CMMS is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of refrigeration technicians in installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial refrigeration systems.
• Develop, implement, and manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Conduct performance analysis of refrigeration systems for optimization.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations.
• Manage spare parts inventory and timely procurement.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions, diagnose root causes, and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with operations and logistics for seamless integration with supply chain.
• Oversee major repair projects and new equipment installations, ensuring on-time delivery and budget compliance.
• Provide technical guidance and training to team members.
• Prepare detailed reports on system performance and maintenance costs.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Lead Refrigeration Engineer to oversee critical operations at their state-of-the-art cold storage facilities in Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior role is pivotal in ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of complex industrial refrigeration systems that preserve perishable goods. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a team of technicians, developing and implementing maintenance strategies, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated engineer to make a significant impact in a vital sector of the economy. The position requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a keen eye for operational efficiency. We are looking for an individual who can drive innovation and maintain the highest standards of performance within the cold chain logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of refrigeration technicians in the installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial refrigeration systems, including ammonia and Freon-based systems.
• Develop, implement, and manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all refrigeration equipment to maximize uptime and minimize operational costs.
• Conduct detailed performance analysis of refrigeration systems and identify areas for optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols, industry best practices, and environmental regulations pertaining to refrigeration operations.
• Manage spare parts inventory for refrigeration equipment and ensure timely procurement to avoid operational delays.
• Troubleshoot complex refrigeration system malfunctions, diagnose root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with operations and logistics teams to ensure seamless integration of refrigeration services with overall supply chain activities.
• Oversee major repair projects and new equipment installations, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Provide technical guidance and training to team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Prepare detailed reports on system performance, maintenance activities, and operational costs for management review.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial refrigeration engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial refrigeration principles, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Experience with ammonia refrigeration systems is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing large-scale refrigeration units, compressors, condensers, and evaporators.
• Strong understanding of electrical and control systems associated with refrigeration machinery.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of relevant safety standards (e.g., OSHA, local environmental regulations).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Familiarity with computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) is a plus.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of R .
• Generous medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for international training and certifications.
• Access to advanced diagnostic and repair tools.
• A strategic role with significant impact on operations in Cape Town .
• Contribution towards accommodation or travel allowance for hybrid work flexibility.