Refrigeration Engineer – Job Description (UK)
Job Title: Refrigeration Engineer
Location: Tidworth, Wiltshire
Reports To: Service Manager / Engineering Manager
Job Summary
A Refrigeration Engineer is responsible for the installation, servicing, maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repair of commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. The role involves ensuring refrigeration equipment operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with UK legislation and environmental standards while delivering excellent customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Install, commission, service, and repair commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
- Diagnose electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration system faults.
- Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive maintenance.
- Test refrigeration systems for leaks and repair refrigerant circuits.
- Recover, recycle, and recharge refrigerants in accordance with F-Gas regulations.
- Complete service reports, job sheets, and risk assessments accurately.
- Ensure all work complies with Health & Safety legislation and company procedures.
- Maintain tools, equipment, and company vehicles in good condition.
- Liaise professionally with customers, site managers, and colleagues.
- Participate in an on-call rota where required.
- Recommend repairs or system improvements to customers.
Skills and ExperienceEssential
- Proven experience working on commercial refrigeration systems.
- Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills.
- Knowledge of refrigeration cycles, electrical controls, compressors, expansion valves, and evaporators.
- Ability to read wiring diagrams and technical drawings.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.
Desirable
- Experience with HVAC systems.
- Knowledge of CO₂, ammonia, or hydrocarbon refrigeration systems.
- Experience with supermarket or cold storage refrigeration.
- Electrical qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds 2391 or 18th Edition).
Qualifications
Typically one or more of the following:
- NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.
- City & Guilds Refrigeration & Air Conditioning qualifications.
- F-Gas Category I Certification (essential).
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (desirable).
- IPAF and PASMA (desirable).
- CSCS or ECS card (where required).
Working Conditions
- Field-based role based in and around Tidworth, with travel to customer sites as required.
- Regular lifting and manual handling.
- Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Occasional work at height and in confined spaces.
- Overtime and emergency call-outs may be required.
Key Competencies
- Technical troubleshooting
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Health & Safety awareness
- Customer focus
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Reliability
Salary Guide (UK)
Depending on experience:
- Junior Refrigeration Engineer: £28,000–£38,000
- Experienced Refrigeration Engineer: £40,000–£50,000
- Senior/Supermarket Refrigeration Engineer: £50,000–£55,0000+
- Overtime, standby payments, and call-out allowances can significantly increase total earnings.
Common Equipment Worked On
- Cold rooms
- Display cabinets
- Walk-in freezers
- Ice machines
- Bottle coolers
- Blast chillers/freezers
- Pack refrigeration systems
- Condensing units
- Commercial air conditioning systems
- Heat pumps (where applicable)
This role is based in Tidworth, Wiltshire, supporting commercial and industrial customers with refrigeration maintenance, servicing, fault finding, and repairs.
Pay: £35,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: On the road
