Refrigeration Design Engineer - R&D

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About the Role

Grant is seeking an experienced Refrigeration Design Engineer to join our R&D team, working on the development, testing, and optimisation of air source heat pumps.

The successful candidate will take a lead role in the design, build, and evaluation of heat pump refrigeration circuits, supporting new product development, performance improvement, and compliance testing.

This is a hands-on engineering role at the heart of our transition to low-carbon heating technology, suited to someone with strong practical refrigeration skills combined with a sound understanding of vapour compression theory.

Key Responsibilities

Design, build, modify, and commission heat pump refrigeration circuits and prototype units within the R&D laboratory.

Carry out brazing, pipework fabrication, component installation, pressure testing, evacuation, and refrigerant charging to a high standard of workmanship and safety.

Plan and conduct performance testing of heat pumps in environmental test chambers, including COP/SCOP, heating capacity, sound power, and defrost behaviour, in accordance with relevant standards (e.g. EN 14511, EN 14825, EN 12102).

Evaluate and optimise refrigeration circuit performance — compressor selection and mapping, expansion device tuning, heat exchanger performance, refrigerant charge optimisation, and superheat/subcooling control.

Work with natural and low-GWP refrigerants (e.g. R290 propane), applying the appropriate safety measures for flammable refrigerants (ATEX/DSEAR considerations, leak detection, ventilation, and safe handling procedures).

Instrument test units with thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, and power analysers; set up data acquisition and analyse test data to draw clear engineering conclusions.

Investigate and diagnose faults on prototype and production units, performing root-cause analysis and recommending design or process improvements.

Support compliance, certification, and witnessed testing activities with third-party test bodies (e.g. for MCS, Ecodesign/ErP, Keymark).

Prepare technical reports, test procedures, and documentation to support design reviews and product release.

Collaborate with design, electronics/controls, production, and service teams to bring new heat pump products from concept through to manufacture.

Maintain laboratory refrigeration equipment, F-Gas records, and refrigerant logs; ensure the lab operates safely and in compliance with all relevant regulations and company health & safety procedures.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to lab technicians on refrigeration practices as required.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

A recognised qualification in refrigeration/air conditioning or mechanical engineering (NFQ Level 6/7, HNC/HND, or equivalent), or a completed refrigeration and air conditioning craft apprenticeship (SOLAS/QQI or RACHP), or demonstrable equivalent experience.

F-Gas certification (Category 1 or equivalent) recognised in Ireland/EU for the safe handling of refrigerants, or willingness to obtain recognition.

Proven hands-on experience building, commissioning, servicing, or testing refrigeration or heat pump systems — including brazing, pressure testing, evacuation, and charging.

A strong understanding of vapour compression cycle theory, refrigerant properties, and system components (compressors, heat exchangers, expansion devices, valves, controls).

Ability to interpret P&IDs, engineering drawings, and wiring diagrams.

Competent data analysis and reporting skills (MS Excel or similar); able to present findings clearly to engineering and management audiences.

A safety-first mindset when working with pressurised systems, flammable refrigerants, and electrical equipment.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary R&D team.

Desirable:

Experience with hydrocarbon refrigerants (R290) and associated flammable refrigerant safety standards (e.g. EN 378, IEC 60335-2-40).

Previous experience in a test laboratory, product development, or R&D environment, ideally with environmental chambers and calorimetric or air enthalpy test methods.

Familiarity with heat pump test and performance standards (EN 14511, EN 14825, EN 12102) and schemes such as MCS, Keymark, or Ecodesign/ErP.

Experience with compressor performance mapping, refrigeration modelling/selection software, or thermodynamic simulation tools.

Knowledge of heat pump hydraulics, controls, and integration with heating systems (radiators, underfloor heating, DHW cylinders).

Experience of DSEAR/ATEX risk assessments for flammable refrigerant test facilities.

Full clean driving licence.

What We Offer

A competitive salary and benefits package.

A stable Monday to Friday, laboratory-based working pattern.

Flexible working hours.

The opportunity to shape the next generation of low-carbon heating products with an established, innovative manufacturer.

A well-equipped, modern R&D laboratory and investment in test facilities.

Ongoing training and professional development, including exposure to product certification and emerging heat pump technologies.

How to Apply

Click apply or email hr@grant.ie with your full up to date CV and a cover letter of introduction.

Pay: €50,000.00-€65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program
• Flexitime
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person