Sr. Refrigeration Engineer/Designer

Job Description

Our Scarborough based client provides industrial chilling, pumping, and freezing equipment for industrial temperature control needs.  They are looking for a Senior Refrigeration Engineer/Designer who can design robust refrigeration systems that meet customers' cooling needs. 
 
Role Summary:<ul><li>Evaluate customers' process to determine their cooling requirements (load profiles, safety and operability constraints). </li><li>Design complete refrigeration systems and controls strategies that meet customer requirements in the real life. </li><li>Support commissioning and troubleshooting in the field to ensure systems perform as designed and root cause any issues. </li></ul>
 
This role is ideal for an individual who has experience and a deep understanding of both:<ul><li>Design of refrigeration systems and thermodynamics principles. </li><li>Field installation, commissioning and integration of refrigeration systems into customers' process. </li></ul>
 
Who You Are:<ul><li>You enjoy seeing your designs run in the field and are comfortable putting on a hard hat to figure out why something isn't working. </li><li>You like project ownership from project definition through design and commissioning. </li><li>You like collaborating with Sales, Service, and Controls and you can speak everyone's language. </li></ul>
 
Key Responsibilities: 
<br>Applications and Sales Support:<ul><li>Evaluate and understand customer process requirements, operating profiles (continuous vs batch, pull-down vs steady load), and constraints. </li><li>Verify Sales' proposal by performing cooling load, energy balance, and equipment sizing calculations. </li><li>Support sales during bidding phase by providing technical insight and performance estimates. </li><li>Design skidded or built-up refrigeration systems and process chillers using HFC/HFO and ammonia. </li><li>Define system operating envelopes, setpoints, and capacity-control strategies (VFDs, slide valves, cylinder unloading, etc.). </li><li>Develop and review process flows and P&IDs for new systems and major retrofits. </li></ul>
 
Controls and Equipment Operation:<ul><li>Develop clear controls narratives that link process requirements to system behavior and setpoints. </li><li>Work with PLC programmer to define sequences of operation, alarm strategies, and interlocks that protect equipment and product. </li><li>Provide input to PLC/HMI logic to ensure the system operates safely, efficiently, and is protected against potential misuse. - Support commissioning teams by validating design intent, tuning control loops, and resolving startup issues to ensure the system meets customer requirements. </li></ul>
 
Project Execution & Documentation:<ul><li>Produce and/or review technical documentation: design reports, datasheets, equipment schedules, and O&M manuals. </li><li>Work with CAD / design teams to review GA layouts and skid designs for serviceability, piping practices, and constructability. </li><li>Participate in design reviews, HAZOPs / risk assessments, and value-engineering sessions. </li><li>Provide technical support to project managers, manufacturing, and procurement when design changes or substitutions are required. </li></ul>
 
Customer Support & Life-Cycle Involvement:<ul><li>Support the service team with root-cause analysis of chronic system issues (capacity shortfalls, nuisance trips, oil management, poor pull-down, etc.). </li><li>Recommend and scope upgrade projects (retrofits, controls upgrades, capacity expansions, efficiency improvements). </li><li>Provide occasional training to customer operators and internal teams on refrigeration system operation and best practices. </li></ul>
 
Safety, Codes & Compliance:<ul><li>Ensure designs comply with relevant codes and standards, including CSA B52, ASHRAE 15, applicable building and mechanical codes, and provincial regulatory requirements. </li><li>Incorporate safety devices, relief systems, and safe operating procedures into system design. </li><li>Contribute to internal engineering standards and design guidelines. </li></ul>
 
Qualifications: 
<br>Must-Have:<ul><li>8+ years of experience in industrial or commercial refrigeration system design, applications engineering, or installation/commissioning technical support. </li><li>Demonstrated experience designing complete refrigeration systems and being involvement in system integration with customer processes. </li><li>Strong understanding of refrigeration cycles, compressor performance, superheat control, oil management, and refrigeration controls. </li><li>Proficiency in reading and producing P&IDs, control narratives, and general arrangement drawings. </li><li>Familiarity with Canadian codes and standards related to refrigeration (e.g., CSA B52, ASHRAE 15, provincial regulations, ASME B31.3 and B31.5). </li><li>Strong communication skills and ability to explain complex technical concepts to people in different teams (Sales, Production, Service, Field Technicians, Management). </li></ul>
 
Nice-to-Have/Assets:<ul><li>Licensed P.Eng in Ontario. </li><li>Journeyperson Refrigeration Mechanic (e.g., 313A) or significant hands-on commissioning / service experience. </li><li>Experience with PLC/HMI platforms (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider) and BMS integration. </li><li>Experience with industrial refrigeration using natural refrigerants (NH₃, CO₂) in addition to Freon systems. </li><li>Familiarity with selection tools and software from major compressor and component manufacturers. </li></ul>
<br>Personal Attributes:<ul><li>Practical mindset: balances theoretical optimization with reliability, maintainability, and cost. </li><li>Structured problem solver with a "find the root cause" approach rather than treating symptoms. </li><li>Comfortable taking ambiguous requirements and turning them into clear engineering requirements. </li><li>Collaborative: enjoys working with Sales, Controls, Service, and Manufacturing teams. </li><li>Mentoring mindset: willing to guide junior engineers and technologists. </li><li>Self-motivated: you are curious, take initiative, and genuinely enjoy industrial refrigeration and process cooling. </li></ul>
 
Work Environment & Travel:<ul><li>Based in Scarborough, Ontario. 100% in office. </li><li>Occasional travel to job sites within GTA (~4% travel). Site visits may include cold environments, rooftops, mechanical rooms, and industrial plants; appropriate PPE and training provided. </li></ul>
 
Compensation: Competitive base salary and profit sharing, Benefits (health/dental/vision, RRSP matching).