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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.
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
CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Professional Engineer (PE) Certification
EPA Section 608 Certification
Strong knowledge of facility infrastructure, automation, controls, mechanical, electrical, and integrated operational systems.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex system issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Experience leading system optimization, continuous improvement, reliability engineering, and operational excellence initiatives.
Strong project management skills with experience supporting capital projects, equipment installations, and facility upgrades.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, schematics, and system documentation.
Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies, CMMS platforms, and asset lifecycle management practices.
Familiarity with industrial automation systems, PLCs, SCADA, BMS, or related control systems.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, EHS, and external vendors.
Experience developing technical standards, operating procedures, and process documentation.
Knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to facility and operational systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and engineering or maintenance management software applications.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive initiatives that improve reliability, efficiency, scalability, and business continuity.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS
This role will also receive annual incentive plan bonus.
Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: https://www.usfoods.com/careers/benefits.html.
Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state or local minimum wage thresholds). The expected base rate for this role is between
$110,000 - $175,000
***EOE – Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***
