Assistant Project Manager (Industrial Refrigeration)

Location: Waynesboro, Virginia, USA; full-time, onsite project work. Nationwide construction-site travel may be required.

Salary: Dependent on experience.

Company

Provides custom-engineered industrial refrigeration and process-cooling systems using natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂, with in-house engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and aftermarket support.

What you will do

• Manage large-scale refrigeration construction projects from contract award through commissioning and final punch-list completion.
• Act as the primary client contact for owners and general contractors, maintaining clear communication and expectation alignment.
• Develop project schedules, coordinate engineering, trades, staffing, procurement, and material deliveries.
• Control project scope, budgets, contracts, change orders, risks, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Build vendor relationships and support cost-effective purchasing of materials, tools, and equipment.
• Maintain detailed project records and provide progress updates to leadership and clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent construction project management experience may be considered.
• 5–7 years of experience managing large-scale industrial refrigeration, HVAC, commercial refrigeration, or heavy industrial construction projects.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Strong negotiation, independent decision-making, organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including client expectation management.
• Proficiency with project management software and familiarity with CAD and engineering drawings.

Nice to have

• Expertise in ammonia- and CO₂-based refrigeration systems and related safety and environmental regulations.
• Professional Engineering license.
• Willingness and ability to travel to construction sites nationwide.

Culture & Benefits

• Employee-focused benefits package with medical, dental, vision, disability, AD&D, and company-paid life insurance.
• Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match and student loan repayment match, each up to 15%.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave.
• Weekly pay, employee referral bonuses, and discounts on eligible services.
• Professional development, training, apprenticeship programs, and career advancement opportunities.