Senior R&D Refrigeration Systems Engineer Engineering · USA - Tupelo

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a Senior Engineer to join our Product Research & Development team focused on vapor-compression refrigeration systems. This professional will lead technical development, innovation initiatives, and continuous improvement of refrigeration systems and their components, ensuring product performance, reliability, and market competitiveness. The role involves defining technical solutions, coordinating testing and validation activities, managing technical documentation, ensure compliance with applicable technical standards during development and validation, work on the development of solutions for natural refrigerants, low GWP or regulatory transition, and supporting cross-functional teams. The Senior Engineer will also interact directly with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality products aligned with market requirements and engineering best practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES:

• Lead the technical development of vapor-compression refrigeration systems and their main components.
• Perform heat load calculations, thermal-system sizing and selection of system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, valves, etc.).
• Calculate system performance and interpret results from simulations and laboratory testing.
• Define test plans, including operating conditions, required instrumentation, measurement parameters, and acceptance criteria.
• Coordinate and guide project development, ensuring proper execution and adherence to deadlines.
• Create, review, and manage technical documentation (BOMs, drawings, specifications, reports, and test procedures).
• Control document and product versioning, ensuring traceability and standardization in accordance with engineering processes.
• Use product and documentation management systems (e.g., Oracle Agile, SAP, Windchill, or equivalent).
• Consolidate information from various sources (engineering, laboratory, purchasing, suppliers, customers) and build clear, well-structured reasoning to support technical decisions.
• Act as a technical point of contact for customers, interpreting and responding to requests clearly and accurately.
• Provide technical support to the purchasing department, assisting in the development or replacement of components.
• Coordinate and mentor junior or mid-level team members, promoting technical alignment and cross-functional integration.
• Propose and implement improvements in engineering processes to enhance efficiency and technical quality.
• Stay up to date with new technologies, solutions, applications, methodologies, and market trends, identifying opportunities for product development through benchmarking and best-practice analysis.
• Comply with standards, procedures, and work instructions related to Quality, Environment, Health & Safety, as required by company policies and applicable regulations.

Education:

• Bachelors Degree
• Area: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering or related fields.
• Language: Fluent English

Experience:

• 5 to 8 years

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience in the product component development process.
• Experience developing complete refrigeration systems, from concept to validation.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering reviews.
• Strong understanding of vapor-compression refrigeration principles including psychrometrics, two-phase flow, heat exchanger design fundamentals and major system components.
• Proven experience in performance calculation and sizing of systems and components.
• Ability to create and maintain technical documentation in accordance with formal engineering processes.
• Familiarity with CAD tools, PDM/PLM systems (Oracle, SAP, Windchill), and engineering spreadsheets.
• Technical English proficiency for reading and communication with international colleagues, suppliers, and customers.

Desired Knowledge and Skills:

• Previous experience in the development of refrigeration, HVAC, or electromechanical products.
• Familiarity with product development methodologies (APQP, DFMEA, PPAP, etc.).
• Experience with simulation tools or thermal calculation software (EES, CoolProp, REFPROP).
• Familiarity with project management software or platforms (MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, etc.).
• Basic understanding of component cost and an integrated product perspective (technical, commercial, and manufacturing).

Key Competencies and Soft Skills:

• Strong organization and methodical approach in managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to defend technical decisions with data and structured analysis.
• Capability to lead technical discussions with customers and suppliers internationally.
• Attention to technical details and accuracy in documentation.
• Clear and effective communication with internal and external teams.
• Proactive in problem-solving and anticipating risks.
• Teamwork skills and ability to influence peers and cross-functional areas.
• Results-oriented, with focus on deadlines and technical quality.
• Flexibility to manage changing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects.