Cascade Refrigeration Technician

About Bemco

Bemco Inc. designs and manufactures custom environmental test chambers, thermal-vacuum systems, space simulation equipment, and related products for aerospace, defense, electronics, and industrial applications. Founded in 1951 and still privately held, we build high-reliability equipment that routinely incorporates cascade refrigeration systems to achieve ultra-low temperatures. Many of our systems remain in service for decades.

Position Summary

The Cascade Refrigeration Technician is responsible for the assembly, charging, testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification of cascade refrigeration systems used on Bemco environmental test chambers and related equipment. This hands-on role works closely with engineering and production teams to ensure cascade coolers meet design specifications, cooling rates, and reliability standards prior to shipment and during internal development or customer support work.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, and commission cascade refrigeration systems (high-stage and low-stage) on environmental chambers, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, cascade heat exchangers, expansion devices, and associated piping.
• Perform proper system evacuation, leak testing, refrigerant charging, and oil management procedures.
• Conduct functional and performance testing of cascade systems and complete chambers, measuring temperatures, pressures, currents, pull-down rates, and stability against engineering specifications and Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs).
• Troubleshoot and diagnose refrigeration, mechanical, and related electrical/control issues; implement corrective actions in collaboration with engineering and assembly teams.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, piping diagrams, mechanical drawings, and technical procedures.
• Work with temperature/process controllers (Watlow and similar) to verify setpoints, alarms, and system response.
• Document test results, refrigerant charges, non-conformities, and corrective actions accurately.
• Support continuous improvement of cascade system builds, testing methods, and reliability.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; follow all company safety and refrigerant-handling procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED; technical certification or associate degree in HVAC/refrigeration, mechanical, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with commercial or industrial refrigeration systems, with demonstrated experience on cascade or ultra-low-temperature systems strongly preferred.
• EPA Section 608 Universal certification (or ability to obtain promptly).
• Strong ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and refrigeration piping drawings.
• Proficiency with brazing, evacuation, leak detection, charging, and basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Ability to lift and position components up to 50 pounds; stand, bend, and work around equipment for extended periods.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation skills, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Direct experience with environmental test chambers, cascade coolers, or similar precision temperature equipment.
• Experience with Watlow controllers or similar process controllers.
• Prior work in aerospace, defense, or custom equipment manufacturing.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word for data recording and reports.

Pay: $26.45 - $55.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person