Mechanical Engineer Prairie (58941)

Mechanical Engineer – Industrial Refrigeration

Prairie HVAC/R | An IR Pros Company  

Winnipeg, MB | Full-Time | Industrial Refrigeration

About IR Pros / Prairie HVAC/R

Prairie HVAC/R, part of the IR Pros organization, provides HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, and controls solutions to commercial and industrial customers. Our teams work together to design, install, service, and support reliable systems while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, efficiency, and customer service.

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer with cold storage and food & beverage industry experience to join our team.

Position Summary

The Mechanical Engineer supports the design, specification, and performance of industrial refrigeration systems serving cold storage, food processing, and beverage production facilities. This role works closely with project managers, drafters, controls specialists, technicians, and clients to develop engineering solutions that are safe, efficient, and built to meet each facility's operating requirements.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in industrial ammonia and/or CO₂ refrigeration system design, is comfortable performing load calculations and equipment selection, and can read and produce P&IDs, mechanical layouts, and technical specifications. Experience supporting cold storage, food processing, or beverage production environments is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and specify industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, and beverage production facilities
• Perform heat load calculations, equipment sizing, and system capacity analysis
• Develop and review P&IDs, mechanical layouts, equipment schedules, and technical specifications
• Select compressors, evaporators, condensers, pumps, vessels, valves, and associated refrigeration equipment
• Prepare engineering calculations, submittals, and project documentation
• Review and respond to redline markups and field conditions, updating drawings and specifications as needed
• Collaborate with project managers, drafters, controls specialists, and field technicians to ensure designs are accurately implemented
• Support new system design as well as upgrades, retrofits, and modifications to existing refrigeration systems
• Evaluate system performance and recommend improvements to efficiency, reliability, and safety
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, safety regulations, and industry standards (e.g., IIAR, CSA, ASHRAE)
• Communicate technical requirements clearly to clients, contractors, and internal teams
• Support project estimating, proposal development, and bid preparation as needed
• Assist with startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting support on active projects

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Proven experience designing or supporting industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia and/or CO₂ preferred)
• Experience in cold storage, food processing, or beverage production environments
• Strong understanding of refrigeration thermodynamics, load calculations, and system design principles
• Ability to develop and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and equipment schedules
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar design software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities

Preferred Experience

Experience with any of the following is a plus:

• Ammonia (NH₃) and CO₂ refrigeration system design
• Engineering licensure (P.Eng.) or progress toward licensure
• Building Automation Systems or refrigeration controls
• System startup, commissioning, and field troubleshooting support
• Industrial refrigeration construction and installation projects

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an engineer who understands that good refrigeration design goes beyond equipment selection — it requires understanding how a system performs as a whole, under real operating conditions, in demanding environments like cold storage and food & beverage production. Our strongest candidates can translate project requirements into practical, reliable designs and work well with project teams from concept through startup.

Benefits

Prairie HVAC/R offers a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees professionally and personally, including:

• Group medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Life and accidental death insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 64 hours of sick/personal time upon hire
• Paid vacation in accordance with company policy and applicable provincial employment standards
• Paid holidays
• Employee referral bonus
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement and long-term career growth
• Supportive and collaborative team environment

Additional information regarding eligibility and coverage will be provided during the hiring and onboarding process.

Join Our Team

If you have mechanical engineering experience in industrial refrigeration and want to apply your skills to cold storage and food & beverage facilities across Canada, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join the Prairie HVAC/R and IR Pros team.