Industrial Refrigeration Technician - 1st Shift

JOB DESCRIPTION: Industrial Refrigeration Technician – 1st Shift

The ideal candidate is an experienced Industrial Refrigeration Technician with at least three years of hands-on industrial HVAC and ammonia refrigeration experience. This role is responsible for maintaining and operating mechanical and refrigeration systems to ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and uptime across Palermo’s state-of-the-art facilities. The position requires strong troubleshooting skills, mechanical expertise, and a deep understanding of PSM, OSHA, and GMP standards.

As part of the maintenance team, you will ensure all systems operate safely and efficiently, supporting a production environment that fuels one of the fastest-growing frozen pizza manufacturers in the U.S.

ABOUT US

At Palermo’s Pizza, family and innovation drive everything we do. What began with “Papa Palermo” bringing cherished recipes from Sicily has grown into one of the nation’s leading frozen pizza manufacturers. We’re proud to be a company where entrepreneurial thinking, product innovation, and dedication to quality are celebrated daily.

Our people are the foundation of our success — and we invest in them through exceptional benefits, ongoing development opportunities, and a culture built on collaboration and respect. Join Palermo’s, and be part of a team that’s passionate about creating quality food and an even better workplace.

Location: 3900 W Lincoln Ave, West Milwaukee, WI 53215

BENEFITS AT PALERMO’S

• $7,000 Sign-On Bonus
• Comprehensive Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription
• 401(k) with Company Match – Fully vested
• Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Parental Leave
• Quarterly Bonus Potential
• Relocation Assistance Available
• Free Pizza and Food Perks
• Tuition Reimbursement & Career Development
• On-Site Medical Clinics & Virtual Care Access

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3 years of industrial HVAC and ammonia refrigeration experience
• High School diploma or equivalent (Associate degree or RETA/EPA certifications preferred)
• Knowledge of PSM, OSHA, and GMP standards
• Strong troubleshooting skills in compressors, condensers, evaporators, and valves
• Proficient with CMMS and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical schematics and perform refrigeration calculations
• Working knowledge of water, sprinkler, compressed air, and fire alarm systems
• Flexibility to work occasional nights, weekends, or on-call shifts as needed

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and maintain ammonia refrigeration systems in compliance with PSM/RMP/IIAR standards
• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC, pumps, compressors, condensers, valves, and evaporators
• Monitor and maintain hot water, fire suppression, water treatment, and compressed air systems
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance using CMMS tools
• Respond promptly to alarms and conduct system diagnostics to maintain operational uptime
• Complete and maintain accurate maintenance and inspection documentation
• Participate in PSM audits and ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with safety and production teams to maintain optimal system performance and reliability
• Read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and system documentation to support maintenance and training initiatives
• Provide occasional support or training at additional Palermo’s facilities as needed