Refrigeration Operating Engineer

Refrigeration Operating Engineer

PNW VEG CO LLC

dba Norpac - 2.4 Salem, OR Job Details Full-time $29.07 - $34.21 an hour 4 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Record keeping Self-direction Maintaining an organized workspace Technical documentation Computer literacy Basic math Safety standards in production English HVAC/R Industrial equipment troubleshooting Maintenance activity documentation Team management Problem-solving Refrigeration Manufacturing Clean workspace maintenance Cross-functional collaboration Mechanical troubleshooting Time management Full Job Description PNW Veg Co dba NORPAC is seeking applications for a Refrigeration Operating Engineer to join us on-site to work with our maintenance team at our facility north of Salem, Oregon. As a Refrigeration Operating Engineer at PNW Veg Co dba NORPAC, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining industrial refrigeration systems to ensure optimal performance and product quality. This includes evaluating freeze tunnel output, performing preventive maintenance and repairs, and operating associated mechanical equipment such as boilers and air compressors. Refrigeration Operating Engineers work closely with plant staff to support production schedules while maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Additionally, this position provides leadership and hands-on support to other Refrigeration Operating Engineers and maintains a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor, operate, and record refrigeration system performance; adjust valves and controls to ensure optimal operation in accordance with company procedures. Evaluate product exiting freeze tunnels and adjust system controls to meet established product temperature and quality standards. Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting; maintain and repair refrigeration systems and related equipment. Operate, maintain, and repair boilers, air compressors, and auxiliary mechanical equipment as required. Coordinate and communicate with plant staff to support production schedules and the cleaning and maintenance of freezing and refrigeration systems. Maintain accurate operational, maintenance, and compliance records. Identify needed parts, equipment, and materials; specify requirements and submit requisitions as necessary. Lead, guide, and support Refrigeration Operating Engineers in the performance of daily duties, as assigned. Perform hands-on work alongside team members and assist with tasks performed by employees being led or supervised. Ensure a safe, sanitary, and well-organized work environment. Complete additional duties as assigned by maintenance and plant leadership.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED AND a one (1) year certificate from college/technical school AND one (1) year of experience equivalent to Refrigeration Operating Engineer OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of complex refrigeration systems. Strong verbal and written English communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively across teams. Self‑motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability and situational awareness. Proficiency in basic mathematics as required for operational and maintenance tasks. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent. Ability to read, interpret, and accurately record temperature and pressure gauge readings. Ability to read, understand, interpret, and accurately maintain logs, records, and technical documentation. Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to handle varied situations where standard procedures may be limited. Effective planning and organizational skills with the ability to anticipate work activities and operational needs. Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and well‑organized work environment. Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability. Ability to provide leadership and technical guidance to other employees on refrigeration‑related matters. Ability and willingness to work overtime, weekends, any shift, and some holidays.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience working in a food manufacturing or cold storage facility. Basic computer proficiency (e.g. email, spreadsheets, maintenance tracking systems). Prior experience leading, mentoring, or training Operating Engineers or maintenance staff. Strong understanding of preventive maintenance programs and continuous improvement practices. Ability to specify, requisition, and manage parts and materials inventory. Ability to adapt to changing operational conditions, schedules, and priorities.

Work Environment:

Regularly works in wet and/or humid conditions, chilled environment and/or heat. Frequently work in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands:

Regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Frequently required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally required to sit. Regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Mental Demands:

Ability to maintain sustained attention while monitoring systems, gauges, and controls over extended periods. Capacity to analyze system data, alarms, and operating conditions to identify irregularities and determine appropriate corrective actions. Ability to make sound, timely decisions in routine, non‑routine, and emergency situations while prioritizing safety and production needs. Capacity to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast‑paced production environment. Mental resilience to work under pressure, including responding calmly and effectively to system upsets or equipment failures.

Safety & Hazard Exposure:

Regularly works with ammonia-based refrigeration system. Frequently works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places. Occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.

Pay:

$29.07 - $34.21 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you willing and able to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and overtime? Ability to

Commute:

Salem, OR 97305 (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person