Refrigeration Project Engineer

About Demeva Refrigeration Limited

Established in 1985, Demeva Refrigeration Limited is a specialist contractor providing industrial and commercial refrigeration, insulated panelling, construction and mechanical engineering solutions throughout the UK.

Operating from our purpose-built 24,000 sq. ft. premises in Formby, Merseyside, we have developed a strong reputation for delivering technically challenging projects for leading businesses across a range of industries.

Our experienced team provides engineering solutions from initial concept and design through to procurement, installation, commissioning and final handover.

As part of our continued development, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Refrigeration Project Engineer to join our engineering and project delivery team.

The Role

We are looking for a practical, technically capable Refrigeration Project Engineer who enjoys being actively involved in both the engineering design and successful delivery of projects.

This is a hands-on engineering position suited to someone with a strong background in industrial or commercial refrigeration who is confident developing technical solutions, selecting equipment, coordinating installations and solving engineering challenges.

The successful candidate will work closely with our Directors, engineering team, installation personnel, clients and specialist suppliers to deliver high-quality refrigeration projects.

You will be involved throughout the complete project lifecycle, from initial site surveys, technical design and equipment selection through to procurement, installation, commissioning and handover.

We are not looking for someone who simply manages project programmes. We want an engineer who understands how refrigeration systems work, knows how they should be designed and installed, and takes pride in seeing a project successfully completed on site.

Key ResponsibilitiesRefrigeration Engineering & Design

• Develop practical, efficient and technically sound refrigeration solutions for industrial and commercial applications.
• Undertake site surveys and assess client requirements to develop suitable engineering proposals.
• Carry out or coordinate refrigeration design calculations, including heat load assessments, equipment sizing and system selection.
• Select appropriate compressors, evaporators, condensers, heat exchangers, controls, valves, pipework and associated refrigeration equipment.
• Prepare, review and develop technical drawings, refrigeration schematics, P&IDs, plant layouts and installation details.
• Produce or coordinate technical specifications, equipment schedules and relevant design documentation.
• Liaise directly with refrigeration equipment manufacturers and suppliers on technical selection and system requirements.
• Consider energy efficiency, reliability, maintainability and operational performance throughout the design process.
• Develop engineering solutions using appropriate refrigerants, including natural and lower-GWP alternatives where suitable.
• Work alongside other disciplines to coordinate refrigeration installations with insulated panelling, HVAC, electrical and mechanical services.

Project Engineering & Delivery

• Take an active engineering role in delivering projects from initial design through to commissioning and handover.
• Develop practical installation plans, equipment schedules, procurement requirements and project programmes.
• Coordinate equipment orders, material deliveries, specialist suppliers and subcontractors.
• Provide technical guidance and support to refrigeration installation engineers and site teams.
• Attend site regularly to monitor progress, resolve technical issues and ensure installation quality.
• Review installation methods and ensure works are carried out in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.
• Identify engineering challenges early and develop practical solutions to maintain project progress.
• Coordinate and support pressure testing, evacuation, commissioning, system performance testing and client handover.
• Ensure accurate completion of as-built drawings, commissioning records, operating manuals and technical documentation.
• Work collaboratively with the wider project team to ensure successful delivery within agreed programmes and budgets.

Technical & Commercial Support

• Assist with preparation of refrigeration quotations, technical tenders and project cost estimates.
• Obtain and review quotations from equipment manufacturers, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Assess technical and commercial suitability of proposed equipment and materials.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising quality, safety or system performance.
• Monitor project costs and identify potential variations or additional works.
• Support the Directors with technical discussions, project reviews and engineering decisions.
• Maintain strong working relationships with clients and provide professional technical support throughout the project.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Ensure refrigeration installations are engineered and delivered in accordance with applicable legislation, technical standards and recognised industry practices.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of CDM 2015 requirements and construction site health and safety procedures.
• Understand relevant UK F-Gas requirements, refrigerant safety considerations and pressure equipment regulations.
• Review installation risk assessments, method statements and relevant technical safety documentation.
• Promote safe working practices and high standards of installation workmanship.
• Support site inspections, quality checks, testing and commissioning activities.
• Ensure technical documentation and certification requirements are completed to the appropriate standard.

Experience & QualificationsEssential

• Minimum 5 years' relevant experience within industrial or commercial refrigeration engineering.
• Strong practical understanding of refrigeration systems, components and installation methods.
• Previous experience in refrigeration design, project engineering, technical installation or a closely related engineering role.
• Ability to develop refrigeration system designs and select suitable equipment.
• Experience interpreting and producing technical drawings, schematics and equipment layouts.
• Understanding of refrigeration pipework, valves, controls and associated mechanical systems.
• Experience working with refrigeration manufacturers, suppliers and installation teams.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical issues both in the office and on site.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage several engineering tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills and confidence dealing directly with clients and subcontractors.
• Competent with Microsoft Office and able to work with CAD drawings and project documentation.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to visit projects throughout the UK.

Desirable

• HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in Refrigeration, Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering.
• Recognised refrigeration apprenticeship with substantial industry experience.
• Experience with large-scale cold storage, food production, processing or distribution refrigeration systems.
• Knowledge of ammonia (R717), CO₂ (R744), HFC/HFO and other commercial refrigeration technologies.
• Experience with refrigeration controls, energy-efficient plant design and system optimisation.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or similar design software.
• Experience with HVAC, chilled water systems, insulated panelling or associated mechanical services.
• SMSTS, SSSTS, CSCS or relevant industry qualifications.
• F-Gas certification where applicable to previous experience and duties.

We welcome applications from experienced refrigeration engineers who have progressed through practical installation, commissioning or technical engineering roles and are looking to develop further within project engineering.

A formal engineering degree is not essential where a candidate can demonstrate strong technical knowledge, relevant experience and the ability to deliver projects successfully.

The Person We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Technically knowledgeable: Has a strong understanding of refrigeration engineering and system operation.
• Practical and hands-on: Comfortable working through engineering challenges and spending time on site.
• Self-motivated: Takes ownership of tasks and follows projects through to completion.
• Solutions-focused: Can identify problems and develop sensible, workable solutions.
• Well organised: Capable of coordinating technical activities across multiple projects.
• Commercially aware: Understands the importance of delivering quality work efficiently and cost-effectively.
• A team player: Works effectively with colleagues, clients, suppliers and installation engineers.
• Professional and dependable: Represents Demeva positively and takes pride in the quality of their engineering work.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary reflecting experience and technical capability.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• Company mobile phone.
• Company pension.
• Reimbursement of authorised business expenses.
• Involvement in varied, technically challenging industrial and commercial refrigeration projects.
• Opportunity to work closely with an experienced team of engineers and company Directors.
• Long-term career development within an established refrigeration and engineering business.
• A working environment where practical engineering knowledge, initiative and commitment are valued.

Join Demeva Refrigeration Limited

At Demeva, we have built our business on engineering expertise, quality workmanship and long-standing client relationships.

We are looking for an individual who shares those values and wants to play an important role in designing and delivering successful refrigeration projects.

If you are an experienced refrigeration engineer who enjoys both the technical design and practical delivery of installations, we would welcome the opportunity to hear from you.

Apply with your CV and details of your relevant refrigeration engineering and project experience.

Demeva Refrigeration Limited
Formby, Merseyside

Demeva Refrigeration Limited is an equal opportunities employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £40,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Formby, Merseyside: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education:

• Diploma of Higher Education (required)

Experience:

• Project engineering: 5 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: In person