Product Development Engineer
Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission-critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.
Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.
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!
