Skip to main content
Posted August 22, 2026

Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

Cold Storage Manufacturing, Inc.
Modesto, CA, US Full Time
38USD - 45USD per hour

Job Description

Job Description

Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

A growing commercial refrigeration construction/service company is looking for immediate hire, a full-time AMMONIA REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN. The ideal candidate will need to have at least 5 years of commercial ammonia refrigeration experience, be dependable, a team player, and have good attendance.

Responsibilities

  • Install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain industrial ammonia refrigeration systems.
  • Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on compressors, evaporators, condensers, pumps, vessels, valves, and associated equipment.
  • Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and control system issues using wiring diagrams, schematics, and diagnostic tools.
  • Service screw, reciprocating, and rotary compressors.
  • Inspect and maintain evaporative condensers, cooling towers, and evaporative fluid coolers.
  • Perform ammonia pump replacements, valve rebuilds, oil changes, and filter replacements.
  • Leak test, identify, and repair ammonia refrigeration leaks in accordance with safety regulations.
  • Conduct system startups, shutdowns, pump-downs, and defrost sequences.
  • Monitor and optimize system performance for energy efficiency and reliability.
  • Perform vibration analysis, alignment, and bearing replacements on rotating equipment.
  • Troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, sensors, transducers, VFDs, and control panels.
  • Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, blueprints, and equipment manuals.
  • Calibrate pressure, temperature, and safety control devices.
  • Perform pressure testing, evacuation, charging, and system commissioning.
  • Respond to emergency service calls and minimize equipment downtime.
  • Complete service reports, maintenance records, and work orders accurately.
  • Communicate findings and repair recommendations to customers and supervisors.
  • Maintain company vehicle, tools, and inventory.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation as required.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Strong understanding of industrial ammonia refrigeration principles and refrigeration cycles.
  • Experience with low-temperature refrigeration systems, freezers, coolers, and process cooling applications.
  • Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems up to 480V three-phase.
  • Working knowledge of motor controls, contactors, overloads, relays, VFDs, and electrical troubleshooting.
  • Experience servicing manufacturers such as Frick, GEA, Vilter, Mycom, Howden, Evapco, BAC, Heatcraft, Colmac, and similar equipment.
  • Knowledge of ammonia safety procedures and emergency response.
  • Ability to safely isolate equipment using Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
  • Familiarity with IIAR standards, OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM), and Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements.
  • Ability to use pressure gauges, multimeters, megohm meters, vacuum pumps, recovery equipment, and other diagnostic tools.
  • Excellent mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work from ladders, rooftops, scissor lifts, and elevated platforms.
  • Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and emergency after-hours calls when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

  • RETA Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO), Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO), or Certified Industrial Refrigeration Technician (CIRT) preferred
  • IIAR training or certifications.
  • EPA Section 608 Universal Certification.
  • Experience with PLC troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
  • Welding, brazing, and pipefitting experience.
  • Experience in food processing, cold storage, distribution centers, or industrial manufacturing facilities.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
\nCompany Description

Since 1976, Cold Storage Manufacturing has been a leader in temperature controlled construction. We are a full-service general contracting company that prides ourselves on our ability to take on any project, any size, anywhere. We have built our reputation as one of the most reliable and budget-friendly general contractors in the industry that will work with you every step of the way—from initial designs and engineering to completed construction.

Company Description

Since 1976, Cold Storage Manufacturing has been a leader in temperature controlled construction. We are a full-service general contracting company that prides ourselves on our ability to take on any project, any size, anywhere. We have built our reputation as one of the most reliable and budget-friendly general contractors in the industry that will work with you every step of the way—from initial designs and engineering to completed construction.

Sign up for Job Alerts