Job Description

Overview

The HVAC / Refrigeration Technician is responsible for maintaining ammonia refrigeration systems and related equipment, ensuring continuous operation and compliance with safety standards. The role involves performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordinating with contractors to support facility operations.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain ammonia refrigeration systems and related equipment.
  • Perform PMs and repairs on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves, and other machinery.
  • Work with refrigeration contractors, electricians, and pipefitters to ensure safety and work standards.
  • Assist in recordkeeping and training for Process Safety Management/Risk plans.
  • Provide technical analysis and services for refrigeration and operational equipment.
  • Perform preventative maintenance to keep equipment in good working condition.
  • Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, hydraulics, pneumatics, and plumbing issues.
  • Utilize technical records and diagrams to complete Preventative Maintenance documents.
  • Handle maintenance emergencies as required.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Requirements

  • Must have own toolbox and tools.
  • 2+ years hands-on experience preferred.
  • Trade school with HVAC-R Diploma is a minimum requirement.
  • RETA Certification is preferred.
  • Ammonia operator 1 certification is a minimum requirement.
  • Ammonia operator 2 certification is preferred.
  • Experience in repairing refrigeration systems, pipefitting, and welding.
  • Proficient in reading diagrams.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company's ERP & CMMS Software.
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English; Spanish speaking is a plus.

Benefits

  • 401k
  • Dental
  • Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • PTO
  • Vision

Additional Information

  • Full-time position.
  • On call for emergencies.

Benefits

401k
Dental
Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Account
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
PTO
Vision

How this job compares in Chicago, IL

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Chicago, IL currently run a median of $37/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $31–$47/hr across 77 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Chicago, IL

We're tracking 96 other active welding openings in Chicago, IL right now, from 55 different employers. 32 of them were added in the last week. Across Illinois as a whole we're tracking 333 other active welding openings from 207 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Chicago, or widen the search to Illinois.

Vienna Beef currently has 3 other openings live in Illinois, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Illinois at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Staff on Site (13), S&C Electric Company (10), and Gerber Collision & Glass (10). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Illinois, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Chicago at $37/hr, Elk Grove Village at $36/hr, and Bedford Park at $33/hr. Chicago is among them.

Similar openings near Chicago, IL

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. HVAC / Refrigeration Technician figures were last recalculated when this page was built.