Refrigeration Designer II

We are currently looking for a Refrigeration Designer II to join our growing team. This position is responsible for supporting the design and coordination of refrigeration systems, condensate drainage, and refrigeration controls for a variety of commercial and industrial projects.

The ideal candidate will independently develop construction documents, perform refrigeration system and load calculations, and apply industry standards such as IMC, IPC, and ASHRAE with minimal supervision. Candidates should have experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit, refrigeration design software such as Heatcraft Box Load Calculator and Sporlan Virtual Engineer, and a strong understanding of DX refrigeration systems, controls, and energy code impacts 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 will work with Engineer and/or Design Lead to communicate with client, deliver completed construction documents, and assist in construction administration as required for most project types.
• Designer should utilize education and experience to independently develop, implement, and draft construction documents for most project and/or project type (or at least major portions), as well as solve medium to difficult design challenges that arise on a project or simple projects.
• Designer should have a good working knowledge of DX refrigeration system utilizing traditional refrigerants and a basic knowledge of transcritical CO2 systems. Additional refrigeration systems that may be helpful are 2-stage systems, cascade systems, and ammonia systems.
• Designer should have a basic 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 simple projects, with minimal oversight from Engineer or Design Lead.
• Designer should have a good knowledge of software assisting programs and be able to apply throughout the design process.
• Designer should have an understanding of energy codes and how it impacts design.
• Designer should be able to design and draft refrigeration systems, including creating isometric plans for small to medium projects.

Job Duties:

• Designer should be proficient in AutoCAD and/or REVIT.
• Designer should be able to train new employees on company standards, drafting techniques, and answer most technical design questions on simple projects for refrigeration design, as well as possess a basic understanding of national standards (IMC, IPC, ASHRAE).
• Designer will have a good understanding of Heatcraft Box Load Calculator and Sporlan Virtual Engineer.
• Designer will work in a collaborative environment with Architects and other Engineers to develop construction documents based on a clients' requirements, including performing some project management functions, quality control, or other duties as necessary.
• Designer should be able to provide a high level of quality control on all their projects and possibly others, for final review by the Engineer or Design Lead.
• Designer will, in some cases, have direct client contact and travel to project as necessary.
• Designer will be able to work within established budgets. Depending upon supervisor and client needs, Designer will be responsible for financial success of projects also.
• Designer should be able to select and design refrigeration systems and equipment, controls and provide box and case circuit load calculations with minimal supervision on simple systems.
• Designer should be able to edit specifications for small to medium size projects.

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