Refrigeration Designer III

We are currently looking for a Refrigeration Designer III to join our growing team. This position is responsible for leading the design and coordination of refrigeration systems, controls, and related construction documentation for a wide range of commercial and industrial projects. The ideal candidate will independently develop complex refrigeration designs, apply industry standards such as IMC, IPC, ASHRAE, and IIAR, and provide technical leadership throughout all phases of design and construction. Candidates should have extensive experience with DX refrigeration systems, transcritical CO2 systems, refrigeration controls, and design software such as Heatcraft Box Load Calculator and Sporlan Virtual Engineer, along with proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit and the ability to mentor staff, manage project budgets, and maintain strong client relationships in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

About HFA – Employee Owned. People Powered.

HFA is a 100% employee-owned multidisciplinary architectural, engineering, and interior architecture firm who thrives in a people-first environment. Employee ownership isn’t just a structure – it’s a mindset that fuels everything we do. This mindset empowers us to think beyond our roles, pushing us to find innovative solutions that strengthen our client relationships and deepen our connections with our people internally. We believe that our people are our greatest asset which aligns with our culture code: We aspire to be a people-first culture of empowerment where talent thrives.

The ownership mindset also means that every team member is personally invested in the success of our projects and clients. This approach ensures that every decision aligns with our purpose: Leading our clients to fulfill their vision while building lasting partnerships.

With our focus on our people, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), and a flexible work schedule. We provide our team members with professional development opportunities and learning stipends to pursue professional growth, and we take any chance we can get to recognize and reward our people for their amazing work.

Job Responsibilities:

• Designer can work, in an independent manner, to deliver completed construction documents on most client and/or project types, as well as provide high level of service for all phases of design.
• Designer can communicate effectively to be seen as highly knowledgeable and/or an expert when discussing design challenges or projects, both internally and externally.
• Designer should utilize education and experience to independently develop, implement, and draft construction documents for any project and/or project type (or at least major portions), as well as solve most design challenges that arise on a project.
• Designer should have a thorough working knowledge of DX refrigeration system utilizing traditional refrigerants and a good knowledge of transcritical CO2 systems, 2-stage systems, and cascade systems. Knowledge of recirculated ammonia refrigeration systems may be helpful.
• Designer should have a thorough knowledge of standard control systems used in commercial refrigeration.
• Designer should be able to apply their knowledge gained through experience and knowledge of recognized national standards to most project types, with minimal oversight from Engineer.
• Designer should have a thorough knowledge of software assisting programs, such as Heatcraft Box Load Calculator and Sporlan Virtual Engineer and be able to apply throughout the design process.
• Designer should have good understanding of energy codes and how they affect design decisions in a project.
• Designer should be able to design and draft refrigeration systems, including creating isometric plans for most projects.
  
  

Job Duties:

• Designer should serve as Design Lead or provide major quality control, training, or other technical functions for the company.
• Designer should be proficient in AutoCAD and/or REVIT.
• Designer should be able to train new employees on company standards, drafting techniques, and answer technical design questions for refrigeration.
• Designer will work in a collaborative environment with Architects and other Engineers to develop construction documents based on a clients' requirements, including performing project management functions, quality control, or other duties as necessary.
• Designer should provide quality control on their own projects as well as others, with minimal oversight from Engineer or Design Lead.
• Designer will have direct client contact, unless in a strictly technical role for the company.
• Designer will establish projects budgets, with approval of supervisor, and work with team to ensure those projects are financially successful, unless in a strictly technical role for the company.
• Designer should be able to select and design refrigeration systems and equipment, controls and provide energy calculations on most project types.
• Designer should be able to write specifications for most project types.

Management Requirements: 0-3 staff
Education Requirements: BSME or equivalent experience
Licensure Requirements: None required