Senior Refrigeration Engineer at Emanuelson - Podas Inc – Minneapolis, Minnesota

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Refrigeration Engineer leads the design and execution of refrigeration systems while supporting project teams and clients through clear priorities, strong organization, and decisive technical leadership. This role acts as a technical leader and trusted advisor, taking full ownership of refrigeration design efforts across multiple projects and ensuring work is delivered with quality, consistency, and urgency.

This role requires deep expertise in refrigeration systems, the ability to make informed decisions under pressure, and strong coordination with internal teams and external partners. Key responsibilities include system design, quality oversight, client collaboration, mentoring staff, and contributing to the growth of EP’s refrigeration practice.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES

REFRIGERATION DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

• Lead the design and development of commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
• Perform system selection, load calculations, equipment sizing, and energy analysis.
• Develop accurate, code-compliant, and coordinated construction documents.
• Apply current codes, standards, and best practices to all design work.
• Conduct facility assessments, site verifications, and existing system evaluations.

PROJECT EXECUTION AND QUALITY OVERSIGHT

• Take ownership of refrigeration scope from initial concept through construction completion.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities with overlapping schedules.
• Perform quality assurance reviews to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Review shop drawings, respond to RFIs, and support construction administration.
• Ensure designs align with EP standards and client expectations.

TEAM LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT

• Set clear expectations and direction for Designers and Engineers, ensuring accountability for quality, coordination, and deadlines.
• Lead refrigeration efforts across projects, establishing standards and maintaining consistency in design approach and documentation.
• Mentor and develop staff while reinforcing disciplined work habits and strong engineering fundamentals.

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and industry partners.
• Support clients in making informed refrigeration system decisions.
• Lead EP’s refrigeration efforts with key national clients.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and strengthen client partnerships.
• Attend key conferences to broaden EP’s client relationships.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AND TECHNICAL GROWTH

• Contribute to improving specifications, standards, and internal processes.
• Advance EP’s refrigeration capabilities through continuous learning and innovation.
• Share knowledge and best practices across the organization.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Take ownership of work and maintain a high level of accountability.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and external partners.
• Manage time and priorities effectively while maintaining responsiveness and urgency.
• Balance work responsibilities with personal well-being.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Highly organized and disciplined, with the ability to bring structure and clarity to complex, fast-moving projects.
• Self-directed and proactive, consistently taking ownership without the need for close oversight.
• Comfortable making decisions quickly and adjusting course as needed to maintain progress.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, translating complex technical concepts into practical guidance for both technical staff and non-technical clients.
• Provide timely, direct, and constructive feedback to develop staff, reinforcing strong technical fundamentals and disciplined work habit.

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in refrigeration system design.
• Authorization to work in the US. No visa sponsorship available.

SUCCESS METRICS

• Projects are organized, prioritized, and progressing on schedule, with clear direction and minimal confusion for the team.
• Refrigeration designs are technically sound, well-coordinated, and delivered with minimal rework.
• Team members are supported, developed, and contributing effectively.
• Client relationships are strong and lead to repeat work and expanded opportunities.
• Continuous improvement in refrigeration standards, processes, and capabilities.