At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor junior engineers while managing large-scale refrigeration and HVAC systems.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on technical excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative workplace with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading advanced technical services in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in HVAC systems and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Role
We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Lead Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineer to join our mobile technical services team.
This senior‑level role is ideal for a time‑served engineer with extensive experience in large‑scale refrigeration and HVAC systems, who is also passionate about mentoring and supporting the development of junior engineers.
You will lead by example in delivering advanced technical services, supporting complex installations, and ensuring compliance across a diverse portfolio of commercial sites.
You will also play a key role in knowledge sharing, technical guidance, and continuous improvement within the team.
Working days: Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & Mentorship
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior and mid‑level engineers.
- Support training and development initiatives, including on‑the‑job coaching and technical troubleshooting guidance.
- Act as a point of escalation for complex technical issues and assist in root cause analysis and resolution.
- Advanced Service & Maintenance
- Lead planned and reactive maintenance, servicing, and repairs on large‑scale VRV/VRF systems, central plant refrigeration systems, chillers, cold rooms, and multi‑compressor systems.
- Lead advanced AHUs, heat pumps, and integrated HVAC systems.
- Diagnose and resolve faults across electrical, mechanical, and refrigerant systems with a focus on long‑term reliability and performance.
- Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure all works meet or exceed F‑Gas & ODS regulations, technical standards, and manufacturer specifications.
- Conduct quality audits and support continuous improvement in service delivery and compliance.
- Promote and enforce safe working practices across all operational activities.
- Documentation & Reporting
- Review and validate service documentation, inspection reports, and remedial work records.
- Provide technical feedback and improvement suggestions to internal teams and clients.
- Use digital tools (PDA/mobile apps) to manage workflow, reporting, and communication.
- Client Engagement & Collaboration
- Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, offering expert advice and reassurance.
- Collaborate with internal teams to support project planning, mobilisation, and service enhancements.
- Represent the technical team in client meetings and site reviews when required.
- Emergency Support & Escalation
- Participate in the emergency on‑call rota and provide senior‑level support during critical incidents.
- Lead or support emergency response efforts, ensuring rapid resolution and minimal disruption.
Requirements
- Time‑served apprenticeship in Refrigeration/Air Conditioning.
- City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ or equivalent in HVAC, Refrigeration, or Mechanical Engineering.
- F‑Gas & ODS Regulations (Category 1 – 2079).
- Minimum 5–10 years of hands‑on experience in commercial HVAC/R systems.
- Proven experience with large‑scale refrigeration systems and central plant equipment.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and Permit to Work systems.
- Experience mentoring or supervising engineering teams.
- Excellent fault‑finding and diagnostic skills.
- Proficient in using digital reporting tools and mobile apps.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals.
We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer in Cardiff
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like OCS.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like OCS love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of OCS and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for OCS and the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at OCS.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at OCS.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with OCS, making you a more appealing candidate.
