Industrial Refrigeration Service Technician

Smart Care Equipment Solutions
United States, Texas, Houston
Aug 13, 2026
Industrial Refrigeration Technician Job Qualifications Required Qualifications Minimum 3-5 years of industrial refrigeration experience preferred. Hands-on experience with ammonia (NH) refrigeration systems. Strong understanding of industrial refrigeration principles and system operation. Ability to troubleshoot refrigeration systems, identify root causes, and make repairs. Experience working on: Compressors Condensers Evaporators Pumps Recirculation systems Refrigeration piping Control valves Pressure regulators Relief valves Oil systems Defrost systems Refrigeration controls Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, refrigeration schematics, electrical diagrams, and equipment manuals. Basic electrical troubleshooting skills, including use of a multimeter. Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical components. Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and refrigeration service equipment safely. Ability to diagnose system performance using pressures, temperatures, superheat, subcooling, and other operating data. Knowledge of safe ammonia handling and emergency procedures. Understanding of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures. Ability to work safely around energized equipment, rotating machinery, pressurized systems, and ammonia. Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Ability to pass company-required drug, background, and safety requirements. Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency/on-call assignments when required. Ability to travel to customer facilities as required. Technical Qualifications Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot refrigeration systems rather than simply replace components. Ability to perform preventative maintenance and inspections. Ability to identify abnormal system conditions before they become equipment failures. Ability to perform compressor and refrigeration equipment maintenance. Ability to troubleshoot refrigeration controls and instrumentation. Familiarity with PLC-controlled refrigeration systems is preferred. Familiarity with VFDs and motor controls is preferred. Familiarity with electronic refrigeration controllers is preferred. Understanding of ammonia refrigeration safety systems is preferred. Ability to properly document service work, repairs, deficiencies, and recommendations. Preferred Qualifications RETA certification or equivalent industrial refrigeration training. RETA CIRO certification. RETA CARO certification. IIAR training or certification. OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training. Electrical troubleshooting experience. PLC troubleshooting experience. VFD troubleshooting experience. Welding or brazing experience. Pipefitting experience. Experience with ammonia detection and emergency ventilation systems. Experience with industrial refrigeration control systems. Experience working in food processing, cold storage, meat/poultry, beverage, or other industrial refrigeration facilities. Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds. Ability to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms. Ability to work in confined or restricted-access areas when properly trained and equipped. Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, noisy, and industrial environments. Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in awkward positions for extended periods. Ability to wear required PPE and respiratory protection when applicable. Ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations. Professional Expectations Maintains a professional appearance and attitude at customer facilities. Communicates effectively with customers, supervisors, and other technicians. Provides accurate and timely service documentation. Takes ownership of assigned work and follows projects through to completion. Maintains company tools, vehicles, and equipment properly. Follows company safety policies and customer site requirements. Demonstrates good judgment when working around ammonia and high-pressure refrigeration systems. Works effectively independently and as part of a service/install team. Represents the company professionally in front of customers. Ideal Candidate The ideal Industrial Refrigeration Technician is an experienced, safety-conscious technician capable of diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and commissioning industrial ammonia refrigeration systems with minimal supervision. The technician should be mechanically strong, comfortable troubleshooting electrical and controls issues, able to communicate professionally with customers, and committed to doing the job correctly and safely. Suggested Experience Levels Technician I - Entry Level 0-2 years industrial refrigeration experience Basic mechanical aptitude Refrigeration or HVAC education/training preferred Willingness to learn ammonia refrigeration Technician II - Experienced 3-5+ years industrial refrigeration experience Strong ammonia refrigeration troubleshooting skills Able to work independently on routine service calls RETA/IIAR training preferred Senior Industrial Refrigeration Technician 5-10+ years industrial refrigeration experience Advanced ammonia troubleshooting Strong electrical and controls knowledge Able to diagnose complex system problems Capable of leading service calls and directing less-experienced technicians Strong customer communication skills RETA certification strongly preferred Lead Technician / Field Supervisor 8+ years industrial refrigeration experience preferred Advanced troubleshooting and commissioning capabilities Able to lead installation/service crews Strong understanding of P&IDs, controls, electrical systems, and refrigeration design Able to train and mentor technicians Strong customer and project-management skills About Smart Care Smart Care is a national repair and service provider for commercial foodservice, refrigeration, and cold storage equipment. Our offering of comprehensive mechanical services includes hot side cooking equipment, stand-alone refrigeration, specialty coffee and beverage, complex rack refrigeration and HVAC. Smart Care is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected class status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation with respect to Smart Care's application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources department at HR@smartcaresolutions.com.