Product Development Engineer
Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is looking for a results-oriented Product Development Engineer to lead the design, development, and launch of innovative products for the industrial refrigeration industry. This role combines mechanical engineering, system design, product innovation, and cross-functional collaboration to create reliable, efficient, and manufacturable refrigeration solutions that meet customer and industry demands.
Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is a premier custom design-build contractor for industrial refrigeration systems, providing design, fabrication, construction, commissioning, and service in-house.
Job Role: The Product Development Engineer designs and develops industrial refrigeration products while working with cross-functional teams to improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability from concept through production.
Key Duties:
Product Development & Design
- Design and develop new industrial refrigeration products, systems, and components.
- Create mechanical designs, assemblies, and detailed drawings using CAD software.
- Evaluate and improve existing products for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost reduction.
- Support prototype development, testing, validation, and field trials.
- Conduct engineering calculations related to thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, structural integrity, and refrigeration performance.
- Develop product specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation.
Engineering & Technical Support
- Ensure designs comply with applicable industry codes and standards including ASME, IIAR, ANSI, UL, and applicable safety regulations.
- Participate in hazard analysis, risk assessments, and design reviews.
- Collaborate with controls and electrical engineering teams on integrated system solutions.
- Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for field or manufacturing issues.
- Provide technical guidance to manufacturing, service, and sales teams.
Project Management
- Manage multiple development projects from concept through production release.
- Coordinate with suppliers and vendors for component development and qualification.
- Track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
- Participate in new product introduction (NPI) and stage-gate development processes.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Research emerging technologies and industry trends in industrial refrigeration.
- Identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and product innovation.
- Support intellectual property development including patents and proprietary technologies.
- Contribute to standardization and engineering best practices.
Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
- 3–10+ years of engineering or product development experience, preferably in industrial refrigeration, HVAC/R, or process cooling systems.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
- Strong grasp of mechanical and refrigeration engineering principles
- Understanding of refrigeration cycles, thermodynamics, and heat transfer principles.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes including welding, fabrication, and assembly.
- Knowledge of IIAR, ASME, and refrigeration safety standards.
- Experience with ERP systems and engineering documentation practices.
- Ability to analyze data, conduct testing, and solve complex engineering problems.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Occasional travel to job sites may be required
- Ability to access manufacturing areas and industrial job sites safely.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position (seated or standing) for extended periods.
- Occasionally may need to lift or carry items up to 25 pounds (e.g., office supplies, small equipment).
Preferences:
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Experience with Autodesk Revit software
- Experience with industrial natural refrigerant systems, including ammonia and CO2, preferred.
- Experience with packaged refrigeration systems or skid-mounted equipment.
- Familiarity with PLC-based control systems and refrigeration automation.
- Experience supporting product commercialization and manufacturing scale-up.
Benefits:
In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee-focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work–life balance:
- Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
- 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
- Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
- Dental and vision insurance options
- Optional supplemental insurance coverage
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
- Company-paid life insurance
- Weekly pay
- Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
- Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
- Employee referral bonus program
- Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
- Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services
If you are driven to succeed and want to be part of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of the industry, apply today!