Mechanical Engineer

Who Are We?

Have you ever gone into a grocery store or convenience store for things like milk, bagged salads, or frozen pizza? The coolers and freezers you find those and other food products in are what we do!! Zero Zone is a manufacturer of reach-in and open refrigerated and frozen food display cases as well as the refrigeration systems that work behind the scenes to cool the cases, keeping the food fresh! We also make powerful industrial refrigeration systems for food warehousing, pharmaceuticals, and even ice rinks!

Our company is structured across 2 divisions – the Display Case Division, located in North Prairie, WI, Waukesha, WI, and Mukwonago, WI and the Refrigeration Systems Division, located in Ramsey, MN and Dyersville, IA.

What Are We Like?

At Zero Zone, you will be a valued member of the Zero Zone team, able to take ownership of your own career path. We believe in hard work, teamwork, collaboration, and respect, and we have grown through dedication to our Purpose: “Preserving customer valuables through refrigeration.” For over 60 years, we have been a leader in refrigeration, and our people are well known for exceptional customer service. We also believe we are the COOLEST coworkers (pun intended)! This is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the refrigeration industry with one of the top leading manufacturers in the country! Come grow with us!!

What Can We Offer You?

• Vacation and Personal Hours (after only 30 days!)
• Competitive Wages
• Comprehensive Benefits Package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, HSA/FSA, EAP)
• 401k and Profit Sharing
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Schedules
• Casual Dress Code
• Wellness Programs and Incentives
• Steel Toe Reimbursement
• Employee Engagement Programs
• One-time Home Computer Reimbursement
• And more!

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor, the Mechanical Engineer will design and develop complex mechanical plans for production of refrigeration systems for commercial and industrial markets requiring application of standard engineering techniques and procedures. Mechanical engineers will develop refrigeration schematics, size, and select components which make up a complete refrigeration system, compile bill of materials, design the layout of equipment, perform essential calculations to determine required performance, review and interpret customer plans and specifications, and interface with sales, service, production, and outside customers. Engineers must be able to provide technical support and troubleshooting for manufacturing by displaying a hands-on approach.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Perform the design of refrigeration systems for commercial and industrial environments including chilled water, halocarbon-based systems, Co2, and industrial ammonia refrigeration facilities
• Ability to select, schedule, size and specify system components to include air distribution, air handling, refrigeration, piping, heat exchangers, pumps, piping, and accessories
• Perform heat load calculations to determine facility refrigeration requirements and heat transfer and thermodynamic analysis associated with sizing and selection of refrigeration equipment, piping, and control valves
• Review refrigeration components during the manufacturing process and recommend design modifications as necessary
• Design products and systems to meet requirements of quality, cost effectiveness, energy efficiency, customer requirements, company standards and other predetermined competitive factors
• Work to meet design schedules and complete tasks on budgets
• Interface and communicate with external and internal customers including engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and sales/marketing personnel
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements for Effective Performance:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
• 5-10 years of relevant experience in mechanical design and product development
• Proven experience with CAD software (e.g., Solidworks, Creo)
• Familiarity with FEA tools and structural analysis methods. CFD experience is preferred.
• Experience with sheet metal, plastics, and thermal systems is a plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and DFM principles.

Skills/Abilities/Specifications:

• Ability to sample
• Ability to sample
• Ability to sample

Behavioral & Environmental Requirements:

• Maintain a positive work attitude. Zero Zone expects all employees to behave and communicate in a manner which will facilitate good relationships with customers, clients, co-workers, and supervisor.
• Safety toe shoes and safety glasses are required while in production areas.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk throughout the office and production areas; have use of hands and fingers to use a computer, telephone, and other office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.