Sr. Refrigeration Systems Engineer (Remote)

About this role

ARE YOU A CURRENT US FOODS EMPLOYEE? PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE

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The Senior Refrigeration Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, optimization, reliability, and lifecycle management of complex operational and facility-related systems that support critical business operations across their assigned locations/region. This role provides advanced technical leadership in the planning, integration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of infrastructure, automation, controls, mechanical, electrical, and facility support systems.

The Senior Refrigeration Systems Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional leaders to support day-to-day operational performance while advancing long-term strategic initiatives. Serving as a key technical expert, this role drives system standardization, operational excellence, risk mitigation, and the implementation of new technologies and equipment to improve performance, scalability, efficiency, and overall business continuity.

This position is virtual/remote which means the work can be completed from anywhere is the United States except Hawaii or United States Territories. RESPONSIBILITIES   • Lead the design, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of facility and operational systems to ensure reliability, efficiency, and business continuity.

• Provide advanced technical expertise and support for infrastructure, automation, controls, mechanical, electrical, and integrated operational systems.

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, EHS, and external vendors to identify and execute system improvements and strategic initiatives.

• Monitor system performance, analyze trends, and develop solutions to improve uptime, reliability, capacity, and operational efficiency.

• Lead root cause analysis efforts for system failures or operational disruptions and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

• Develop and maintain engineering standards, technical documentation, operating procedures, and system specifications to support consistency and compliance across facilities.

• Support capital projects, equipment installations, facility upgrades, and expansion initiatives from concept through implementation and startup.

• Evaluate existing systems and recommend modernization strategies, process improvements, and emerging technologies to support operational goals.

• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and company standards related to system design, operation, and maintenance.

• Collaborate with leadership to develop long-range infrastructure and equipment replacement strategies, including budgeting and capital planning support.

• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to engineering, maintenance, and operational teams by providing guidance, training, and troubleshooting support.

• Coordinate and manage external contractors, consultants, and vendors to ensure quality execution, project alignment, and cost effectiveness.

• First line escalation support 24/7 between field site in region and HQ leadership teams.

• Support project prioritization, budgeting, vendor selection, commissioning, and operational handoff activities.

• Evaluate emerging refrigeration technologies, sustainability initiatives, and energy reduction opportunities.

Vendor & Service Provider Management • Manage relationships with refrigeration contractors, OEMs, service providers, and equipment manufacturers.

• Develop service standards, preventative maintenance expectations, and vendor performance metrics.

• Negotiate service agreements and support enterprise refrigeration sourcing strategies.

• Ensure consistency and standardization of refrigeration support practices across facilities.

Financial & Energy Management • Develop and manage refrigeration maintenance and capital budgets.

• Identify opportunities to optimize operating costs, energy consumption, and asset utilization.

• Support utility management and sustainability initiatives related to refrigeration operations.

• Analyze total cost of ownership and return on investment for refrigeration assets and upgrades.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on call for emergencies or system support.

• Other duties as assigned by manager.

RELATIONSHIPS • Internal: Sr. Systems Engineer partners closely with Operations, Engineers, Maintenance, Procurement, Digital & Technology, Environmental Health & Safety Leadership.

• External: Sr. Systems Engineer will partner with third – party engineering firms, vendors, maintenance contractors and regulatory agencies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT • Remote Region Based : The associate in this role is expected to travel to multiple sites within their assigned Region as needed and therefore must be located within the assigned Region or a bordering state to perform assigned responsibilities.

• Travel to multiple distribution centers as needed.

• Combination of office, warehouse, and field environments, including refrigerated and frozen areas.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • 5 years of industrial refrigeration or cold chain engineering experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in ammonia and Freon refrigeration systems, HVAC/mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance programs.

• Experience managing multi-site operations and technical teams.

• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, PSM, IIAR, energy efficiency and automation.

• Experience with CMMS systems, maintenance planning, and capital project execution.

• This role requires approximately >40% travel during the initial years, with the potential for reduced travel as the function matures and stabilizes.

EDUCATION • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance or related field or equivalent relevant work experience

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING • RETA CIRO Certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Professional

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