A refrigeration engineer is a professional who installs and maintains refrigeration systems in commercial buildings, delivery trucks, and homes. Working with industrial-sized refrigerating systems, walk-in coolers, or home units might be his or her specialty. Furthermore, many engineers are qualified to work on a variety of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. After completing two-year training programs at vocational schools or community colleges, working as an apprentice for up to four years, and passing licensing and certification exams, service engineers can enter the field.
Many refrigeration engineers work in homes and apartment buildings, installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigerators and HVAC systems. When installing new systems, workers usually follow blueprints and instruction manuals. Air ducts, water and coolant pipes, and electrical wires are all connected by them. A refrigeration engineer troubleshoots a system, dismantles motors or electrical parts, and performs any necessary services when maintenance, repairs, or replacement parts are required.
Walk-in coolers, air-conditioned delivery trucks, commercial refrigeration units, and large industrial systems are all possible projects for a refrigeration engineer. He or she must have extensive knowledge of large-scale power supplies and electrical machinery in order to ensure safety. A service engineer who maintains coolers and delivery trucks is frequently called upon to work quickly in order to keep food or other supplies cool. In commercial buildings and industrial facilities, engineers frequently work in groups to install large pipes and air ducts.
An HVAC technician certificate from a community college or vocational school is typically required to become a refrigeration engineer. With a high school diploma and a demonstrated aptitude for mechanical systems, some people can work as refrigeration engineers. For about four years, most new engineers work as assistants or apprentices, receiving hands-on training from experienced professionals. Individuals may be required to pass licensing exams administered by their state or country, which assess their knowledge of fundamental job skills and safety precautions.
Engineers who work with potentially dangerous refrigerants must be certified. The Environmental Protection Agency in the United States offers certification programs and tests that qualify people to work with various refrigerant grades. Although additional certification is not usually required, many engineers choose to take exams offered by organizations like the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society in order to improve their credentials and their chances of finding steady work.
Refrigeration systems engineering is a specialty that can be pursued by someone who works in a research and development facility. He or she is in charge of using computer models and drafting software to design new or more efficient machinery. These experts usually have advanced engineering degrees and a thorough understanding of the mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of HVAC and refrigeration systems.