Refrigeration Mechanic

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement fund

Medical aid

Training opportunities

Company tools & uniform

Annual bonus

Paid leave & sick leave

Secure work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Refrigeration Mechanic to join our Richards Bay operation in KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on maintenance, repair, and installation of industrial refrigeration systems to preserve perishable goods.

The ideal candidate has a trade qualification with refrigeration specialization and at least 4 years of experience working with commercial/industrial units, including walk‑ins, chillers and freezers. On‑call roster and drivers license are required.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification as Refrigeration Mechanic or Fitter and Turner with refrigeration specialization.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience with industrial and commercial refrigeration systems.
• Strong knowledge of refrigeration principles, refrigerants, and safety protocols.
• Proficient in diagnosing and repairing various refrigeration equipment.
• Ability to read technical drawings and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair industrial refrigeration systems including compressors, condensers, evaporators and control systems.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance for optimal performance.
• Diagnose malfunctions, identify causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Read and interpret manuals, schematics and blueprints for refrigeration systems.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Keep detailed maintenance and repair records.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the food retail and cold chain logistics sector, is seeking a skilled Refrigeration Mechanic to join their operations based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for the maintenance, repair, and installation of industrial refrigeration systems essential for preserving perishable goods. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with commercial and industrial refrigeration units, including walk-in coolers, freezers, chillers, and potentially specialized cooling systems. You will be responsible for ensuring the optimal performance and efficiency of all refrigeration equipment, minimizing downtime, and adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards. This is a hands-on role requiring strong diagnostic skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a maintenance team. The position offers a stable career path within a growing industry, with opportunities to work on diverse and challenging refrigeration projects. We are looking for a reliable, motivated individual committed to maintaining the integrity of cold chain operations in the Richards Bay area.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair industrial refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, and control systems.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on all refrigeration units to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot refrigeration system malfunctions and breakdowns, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints related to refrigeration systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage inventory of spare parts and order replacements as needed.
• Respond to emergency service calls to address critical refrigeration system failures.
• Conduct performance tests and calibrate refrigeration equipment to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Keep detailed records of all maintenance, repairs, and inventory transactions.
• Advise on system upgrades and improvements to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Requirements

• A recognized trade qualification as a Refrigeration Mechanic or Fitter and Turner with refrigeration specialization.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working with industrial and commercial refrigeration systems.
• Strong knowledge of refrigeration principles, refrigerants, and associated safety protocols.
• Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing various types of refrigeration equipment.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and schematics.
• Experience with both mechanical and electrical components of refrigeration systems.
• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.
• Willingness to be part of an on-call roster for after-hours emergencies.
• A valid driver's license is required for this role.

Benefits

• Annual salary of R , dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Participation in a retirement fund and medical aid scheme.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certification in refrigeration technologies.
• Company-provided tools and uniform.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Paid leave and sick leave benefits.
• A secure work environment within a reputable company.
• Supportive team and management structure.
• Opportunities for overtime when required.
• Focus on professional development and skill enhancement.