Pipefitter

Smart Care•Carolina, NC

About The Position

Watson Refrigeration is seeking a highly skilled Commercial Refrigeration Pipefitter / Installer to install piping and equipment for supermarket and large commercial refrigeration systems. This is not an entry-level position; the successful candidate is expected to independently read plans, lay out installations, install accurate and professional piping, complete high-quality brazed joints, and help take projects from rough-in through start-up. The company offers top-of-the-market hourly compensation for the right candidate, with the rate based on technical ability, experience, certifications, and value to the team. Candidates must 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. The position requires significant commercial refrigeration installation experience, EPA Universal Certification, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work independently. Extended hours, nights, weekends, or out-of-town work may be required when project schedules demand it. The work includes installing refrigeration piping and equipment at supermarkets and other large commercial facilities, coordinating with other trades, maintaining job records and assigned tools and equipment, and following EPA, company, customer, and job-site safety requirements. The physical work may take place in varied and active construction environments and involves lifting, climbing, working at heights or in confined spaces, operating tools and equipment, and driving to project locations.

Requirements

Significant hands-on experience installing piping and equipment for supermarket or large commercial refrigeration systems.
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 nitrogen purging, pressure-testing, leak-testing, evacuation, and charging procedures.
Experience installing and connecting rack refrigeration systems and related equipment.
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.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and ability to meet company insurance requirements.
Ability to work independently, solve problems in the field, and consistently produce clean, professional installations.
Flexibility to work extended hours, nights, weekends, or out of town when project schedules require it.
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.
Must live within approximately 40 miles of Raleigh, North Carolina, or be willing to relocate within a reasonable commuting distance.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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 company, customer, and job-site safety requirements.
Maintain company tools, vehicles, equipment, and assigned inventory.
Provide technical guidance to less-experienced installers when needed.