Product Development Engineer

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is looking for a results-oriented Product Development Engineer to lead the design, development, and launch of innovative products for the industrial refrigeration industry. This role combines mechanical engineering, system design, product innovation, and cross-functional collaboration to create reliable, efficient, and manufacturable refrigeration solutions that meet customer and industry demands.Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is a premier custom design-build contractor for industrial refrigeration systems, providing design, fabrication, construction, commissioning, and service in-house.Job Role: 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.Key DutiesProduct Development & DesignDesign 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.Engineering & Technical SupportEnsure 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.Project ManagementManage 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.Continuous Improvement & InnovationResearch 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.RequirementsBachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience3-10+ 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 principlesUnderstanding 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 teamOccasional travel to job sites may be requiredAbility 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).PreferencesProfessional Engineer (PE) license.Experience with Autodesk Revit softwareExperience 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.BenefitsIn 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 companyDental and vision insurance optionsOptional supplemental insurance coverageShort-term and long-term disability insuranceAccidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverageCompany-paid life insuranceWeekly payCompetitive paid vacation and holiday timePaid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leaveEmployee referral bonus programOpportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programsAccess to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible servicesIf you are driven to succeed and want to be part of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of the industry, apply today!