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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

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…