Senior Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Manufacturer training

Advanced diagnostic tools

Hybrid work model

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Senior Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic to lead installation, maintenance, and repair of complex industrial refrigeration systems including ammonia, HFCs, and CO2. You will diagnose issues, mentor junior technicians, and ensure safety and compliance in the Polokwane region.

This role offers a challenging, rewarding career in a vital industry with opportunities for professional development, access to advanced tools, and a hybrid work arrangement balancing

Qualifications

• Red Seal or equivalent refrigeration trade qualification.
• 8+ years in industrial refrigeration installation, maintenance and repair.
• Experience with ammonia, HFCs, and HFOs refrigerants.
• Ability to diagnose complex mechanical and electrical issues.
• Experience interpreting schematics and P&IDs for refrigeration systems.
• Strong safety awareness with high-pressure systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong client-facing communication in Polokwane region.
• Willingness to travel within the region.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia, Freon, CO2).
• Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions; identify root causes.
• Perform preventive maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
• Service compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion valves.
• Read drawings, blueprints, and manuals for install/repair.
• Ensure safety, environmental standards, and company policies in Polokwane.
• Manage parts inventory and order components.
• Provide mentorship to junior mechanics.
• Respond to emergency service calls and minimize downtime.
• Maintain detailed maintenance and performance records.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Diagnostics

Safety compliance

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Red Seal certification

Tools

P&ID interpretation

Ammonia handling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial process cooling and refrigeration solutions, is seeking an experienced Senior Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic to join their esteemed team based in Polokwane. This critical role involves the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex industrial refrigeration systems used in various sectors, including food processing, manufacturing, and chemical industries. You will be responsible for ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of these systems, minimizing downtime, and adhering to the highest safety and quality standards. This position requires a deep understanding of industrial refrigeration principles, advanced diagnostic skills, and the ability to lead and mentor junior technicians. You will have a significant impact on operational efficiency for our clients in the Polokwane area and surrounding regions. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional looking for a challenging and rewarding career in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair a wide range of industrial refrigeration systems, including ammonia, Freon, and CO2 based systems.
• Perform complex troubleshooting and diagnostics on refrigeration equipment, identifying root causes of malfunctions.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance to ensure optimal system performance and prevent breakdowns.
• Service and repair compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion valves, and other critical refrigeration components.
• Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and equipment manuals to guide installation and repair work.
• Ensure all work complies with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies in Polokwane.
• Manage parts inventory and order necessary components for repairs and maintenance.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior refrigeration mechanics.
• Respond to emergency service calls and perform necessary repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain detailed records of all maintenance, repair activities, and system performance data.

Requirements

• Certified Refrigeration Mechanic with a relevant trade qualification (e.g., Red Seal).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial refrigeration system installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Extensive knowledge of various refrigeration systems, including ammonia, HFCs, and HFOs.
• Proven ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues in refrigeration equipment.
• Experience with interpreting technical schematics and P&IDs for refrigeration systems.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols related to handling refrigerants and working with high-pressure systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients and team members in Polokwane.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with the seniority and expertise required for this role. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for continuous professional development, including manufacturer-specific training. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment, access to advanced tools and diagnostic equipment, and the chance to work on critical infrastructure projects in the Polokwane region. This hybrid role offers a blend of field and potential remote administrative tasks, providing flexibility. Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization are available.