Systems Design Engineer – Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) in Kent

Design the future of industrial refrigeration with a leading global refrigeration specialist. We are proud to be partnering with a highly respected and established refrigeration solutions provider, who are looking to recruit a Systems Design Engineer to join their Process Systems and Marine division based in Dartford. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Systems Design Engineer with a strong background in industrial refrigeration and ammonia systems to work on complex, bespoke refrigeration projects across a range of prestigious industries.

As a Systems Design Engineer, you will play a key role in developing innovative, energy-efficient and cost-effective refrigeration solutions, taking projects from initial concept through to commissioning and ongoing support. You will be joining a business recognised for engineering excellence, technical innovation and delivering some of the most challenging refrigeration projects in the industry.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing industrial refrigeration systems with a particular focus on ammonia (NH₃) refrigeration solutions.
• Producing thermal designs for vapour compression refrigeration plants in line with customer specifications, legislation and engineering standards.
• Carrying out refrigeration heat load calculations and pipework pressure loss calculations.
• Selecting compressors, heat exchangers, pumps, refrigerant controls and associated system components.
• Producing primary and secondary refrigeration circuit designs, including equipment and control selection.
• Reviewing and approving refrigeration piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), plant arrangement drawings and control systems.
• Working closely with electrical and electronic design engineers to deliver cost-effective system solutions.
• Preparing technical design calculations, system design notes and engineering documentation.
• Reviewing supplier drawings and technical submissions to ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Providing technical support to commissioning engineers and project teams.
• Supporting sales and project engineers with expert refrigeration design guidance.
• Attending customer meetings during enquiry and post-order stages.
• Carrying out site visits, surveys and technical investigations when required.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of refrigeration technology, legislation and new refrigerant developments.

We are looking for an experienced Systems Design Engineer with a strong technical background within industrial refrigeration and a passion for developing high-quality engineering solutions. The ideal Systems Design Engineer will have:

• Proven experience designing industrial refrigeration systems.
• Strong knowledge and experience of ammonia (NH₃) refrigeration systems – essential.
• Experience working on complex refrigeration projects from design through to delivery.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and refrigeration principles.
• Experience selecting refrigeration equipment, controls and system components.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently, manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with customers, engineers and internal stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or mentoring other design engineers and draughts people would be advantageous.

To be successful as a Systems Design Engineer, you will ideally have:

• Minimum 5 years' experience within the industrial refrigeration industry.
• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent relevant engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of refrigeration systems, controls and equipment.
• Experience using computer-aided design (CAD) programmes.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics applied to industrial refrigeration systems.
• Proven experience designing systems using ammonia (NH₃) refrigerant.
• Experience with other refrigerants including HFCs, HFOs, hydrocarbons and CO₂ would be advantageous.
• Experience working on large-scale industrial refrigeration projects.

The successful Systems Design Engineer will receive:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Car allowance.
• 26 days annual leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Life assurance.
• Company sick pay scheme.
• Continued professional development, including study leave and financial support for relevant qualifications.
• Recruitment referral scheme.
• Long service awards.
• Eye care vouchers.
• Salary Extras, including shopping, hotel and travel discounts.

This organisation is a leading provider of refrigeration solutions, specialising in the design, manufacture, installation and ongoing support of advanced refrigeration and HVAC systems. The Process Systems and Marine division delivers bespoke refrigeration packages using ammonia, HFC, HFO, CO₂ and hydrocarbon refrigerants for demanding applications across multiple industries. The team works on technically challenging projects from initial design through to commissioning and long-term support, delivering innovative refrigeration solutions for customers worldwide.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Systems Design Engineer who wants to work on complex industrial refrigeration projects, develop innovative ammonia refrigeration solutions and join a business that truly values engineering expertise. If you have a passion for industrial refrigeration design and want to work on technically challenging projects with genuine career development opportunities, this could be the perfect next step. Apply today to be considered for this excellent Systems Design Engineer opportunity.