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!