Refrigeration Pipefitter / Installer

Watson Refrigeration is looking for a highly skilled Commercial Refrigeration Pipefitter / Installer who can walk in the door and confidently install piping and equipment for supermarket and large commercial refrigeration systems.

This is not an entry-level position, and it is not intended for installers who need to be taught refrigeration piping. We need someone who can read plans, lay out an installation, run clean and accurate piping, complete high-quality brazed joints, and help take a commercial refrigeration project from rough-in through start-up.

For the right installer, Watson Refrigeration is prepared to pay top-of-the-market hourly compensation—serious money for serious refrigeration installation experience. Your exact rate will be based on your technical ability, experience, certifications, and the value you can bring to the team.

Candidates must currently live within approximately 40 miles of Raleigh, North Carolina, or be willing to relocate within a reasonable commuting distance. Travel to project sites may be required.

What You’ll Do

• Install commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets and other large commercial facilities.
• Lay out, fabricate, fit, and install refrigeration piping according to plans, specifications, and job-site conditions.
• Install suction, liquid, discharge, hot-gas, oil, condensate, and other system piping.
• Measure, cut, bend, fit, braze, hang, support, and insulate refrigeration piping.
• Produce clean, properly supported piping installations with accurate pitch, spacing, and routing.
• Install refrigeration racks, condensers, compressors, evaporators, refrigerated cases, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, and related equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, piping diagrams, equipment submittals, schematics, and manufacturer specifications.
• Perform nitrogen purging while brazing and follow proper refrigeration piping practices.
• Pressure-test piping, locate and repair leaks, evacuate systems, and assist with charging and start-up.
• Coordinate installation work with project managers, electricians, plumbers, general contractors, and other trades.
• Identify field conflicts and recommend practical solutions without sacrificing system performance or installation quality.
• Maintain accurate records of completed work, materials, changes, and job-site progress.
• Follow EPA regulations and all company, customer, and job-site safety requirements.
• Maintain company tools, vehicles, equipment, and assigned inventory.
• Provide technical guidance to less-experienced installers when needed.

What You Must Bring

• Significant hands-on experience installing piping and equipment for supermarket or large commercial refrigeration systems.
• The ability to independently lay out and complete refrigeration piping installations from plans and field conditions.
• Strong brazing skills, including experience brazing larger-diameter copper refrigeration piping.
• Knowledge of proper nitrogen-purging, pressure-testing, leak-testing, evacuation, and charging procedures.
• Experience installing and connecting rack refrigeration systems and related equipment.
• The ability to read blueprints, piping diagrams, schematics, and equipment specifications.
• Knowledge of pipe sizing, oil return, proper pitch, line routing, vibration prevention, hangers, supports, and refrigeration piping best practices.
• EPA Universal Certification.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to meet company insurance requirements.
• The ability to work independently, solve problems in the field, and consistently produce clean, professional installations.
• The flexibility to work extended hours, nights, weekends, or out of town when project schedules require it.

Experience We Especially Value

• Supermarket refrigeration installation experience.
• Parallel and distributed rack system experience.
• Refrigerated case installation and line-up experience.
• Experience installing walk-in coolers and freezers.
• Experience with CO₂, glycol, secondary refrigeration, or other advanced systems.
• Rack placement, piping, pressure testing, evacuation, charging, and system start-up experience.
• Advanced brazing and pipe-layout skills.
• Experience leading installation crews or coordinating work on active job sites.
• Manufacturer or industry-specific refrigeration training.
• State or local refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical licenses.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift and move up to 50–75 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Ability to climb ladders and work on rooftops, lifts, scaffolding, or elevated surfaces.
• Ability to kneel, squat, bend, crawl, push, pull, stand, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, brazing equipment, pipe-bending equipment, lifts, and required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work safely in hot, cold, wet, noisy, dusty, and active construction environments.
• Ability to safely work around pressurized systems, refrigerants, open flames, electrical components, and heavy equipment.
• Ability to drive for extended periods and travel to project locations throughout the assigned service area.

Let’s Talk Money

If you can look at a set of plans, lay out the job, and install refrigeration piping that is clean, correct, and ready for a successful start-up, we want to talk to you. Watson Refrigeration is willing to pay top dollar hourly for the right person.

Bring us proven supermarket refrigeration installation experience and the ability to perform high-quality work without constant supervision, and we’ll have a serious conversation about compensation.

Apply today to learn what your commercial refrigeration installation experience could be worth at Watson Refrigeration.

About Smart Care

Smart Care is a national repair and service provider for commercial foodservice, refrigeration, and cold storage equipment. Our offering of comprehensive mechanical services includes hot side cooking equipment, stand-alone refrigeration, specialty coffee and beverage, complex rack refrigeration and HVAC.

Smart Care is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected class status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation with respect to Smart Care’s application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources department at [email protected].