Responsibilities

Job Summary: Senior operational lead responsible for ensuring reliable refrigeration and HVAC performance across a large regional grocery retailer’s store network. Focuses on parallel refrigeration systems and cascade CO2 systems, RDM-driven optimization, DOAS, and packaged HVAC. Provides hands on operational support for critical failures, leads capital and continuous improvement initiatives (non-design role), mentors field staff, and serves as escalation point for nights/weekend emergencies (expected to answer calls unless on approved vacation). Provides evidence based operational feedback to the company's refrigeration engineers on failures related to design parameters.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Lead troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of parallel refrigeration systems (compressor sequencing, suction/discharge management, oil control, capacity strategies).
Diagnose and support cascade CO2 refrigeration systems (including transcritical operation, economizer/receiver management, high side/low side coordination, safe charge practices).
Use Resource Data Management (RDM) platforms for alarm/event triage, trend analysis, setpoint optimization, and creation of actionable remediation plans.
Commission and start up refrigeration, DOAS, and packaged HVAC systems; perform functional performance testing and document commissioning reports (design performed by in-house refrigeration engineers or vendors).
Perform root cause analysis of recurring or systemic failures; implement corrective actions and preventive measures across stores.
Provide clear, data backed operational feedback to company refrigeration engineers about failures, performance shortfalls, and design related issues to inform design improvements.
Lead capital projects and retrofit efforts (approx. 20% of time): develop scope, select vendors, oversee installation quality, manage punch lists, and close out projects (technical design remains with refrigeration engineering).
Review vendor work, submittals, and change orders for operational impacts and compliance with standards.
Mentor and train field technicians and contractors; develop and deliver technical training materials and workshops.
Maintain parts/spares recommendations, tools, and technical documentation; propose inventory and spares strategies to minimize downtime.
Coordinate with store operations, facilities, procurement, safety, and regional leadership to minimize customer impact during repairs and projects.
Serve as escalation point for complex incidents; provide remote triage and on-site response when required.
Participate in emergency call response nights and weekends unless on approved vacation; be reachable and able to provide timely guidance and response.
Track and report KPIs and success metrics; propose and lead continuous improvement projects based on RDM and field data.

The responsibilities and essential functions outlined above describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time based on business needs. Employees may be required to perform other job-related tasks as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.

Work Experience

Qualifications & Key Requirements:

Minimum 8-10 years progressive, hands-on refrigeration/HVAC experience in retail or multi-site commercial environments; demonstrated leadership in technical roles and capital projects.
Direct, documented experience with cascade CO2 systems strongly preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Hands on expertise with parallel refrigeration systems (multiple compressors, common suction/discharge manifolds, oil management, capacity control strategies).
Practical experience with cascade CO2 refrigeration systems, including transcritical operation, economizer/receiver management, and safe charge procedures.
Proficiency with Resource Data Management (RDM) platforms: data visualization, alarm triage, trend analysis, and setpoint/schedule optimization.
Strong experience with Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS): sequencing, sensible/latent load control, and energy recovery troubleshooting.
Competence with packaged HVAC/rooftop units (economizers, VFDs, refrigerant diagnostics, airflow balancing).
Commissioning and start up expertise: prestart inspections, functional testing, refrigerant charge verification, leak detection, and commissioning documentation.
Diagnostic skills: electrical troubleshooting, motor/compressor diagnostics, sensor calibration/validation, and field root cause analysis using RDM and field testing.
Mechanical skills: brazing/soldering, valve/pump/heat exchanger service, oil and refrigerant management, and safe handling of CO2 and other refrigerants.
Data driven optimization experience: energy performance analysis, baseline establishment, and measurable performance improvement initiatives.
Safety and compliance knowledge: EPA Section 608 (or local equivalent), OSHA/site safety practices, and CO2 specific safety systems (ventilation, monitoring, pressure relief).

Education

Associate degree in HVACR, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience accepted.
EPA Section 608 Type I/II/III preferred.
HVACR certifications (e.g., NATE) and manufacturer specific refrigeration certifications desirable.
Proficient with refrigeration gauges, electronic leak detectors, anemometers, clamp meters, data loggers, and laptop based RDM/software tools.

Licenses/Certifications

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Function in a fast-paced, office environment
Work extended hours and / or rotating schedules
Regularly lift up to 20 lbs
Mobility and field readiness: ability to travel regionally to multiple store sites.
On call expectation: required to answer emergency calls during nights and weekends unless on approved vacation; no formal rotation.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Partner encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Last revised: 9/15/2025 12:00:00 AM

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