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Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician to support the efficient operation of our manufacturing plant by ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous availability of refrigeration, air conditioning, and utility systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing refrigeration and HVAC equipment critical to production while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

This role requires a hands-on technical professional with strong diagnostic skills, experience in industrial maintenance, and a commitment to minimizing equipment downtime through effective preventive and corrective maintenance practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Equipment Installation & Maintenance

• Install, commission, inspect, maintain, and repair refrigeration, air conditioning, and cooling systems.

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on refrigeration and HVAC equipment.

• Service and maintain chillers, cold rooms, ice banks, water cooling systems, compressors, condensers, evaporators, and related utilities.

• Ensure all equipment operates efficiently and meets production requirements.

• Assist in equipment upgrades, modifications, and new system installations.

2. Equipment Monitoring & Troubleshooting

• Monitor refrigeration and HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and control system faults using appropriate testing equipment.

• Perform timely repairs to minimize equipment downtime and production interruptions.

• Conduct routine inspections and condition monitoring to identify potential maintenance issues before failures occur.

• Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) of equipment failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

3. Preventive Maintenance

• Execute scheduled maintenance activities in accordance with established maintenance plans.

• Ensure maintenance tasks are completed within agreed timelines while maintaining high-quality workmanship.

• Support plant shutdowns, planned maintenance programs, and emergency breakdown response.

• Participate in the on-call maintenance roster to provide technical support when required.

4. Utilities & Plant Support

• Maintain refrigeration utilities and associated plant systems to ensure uninterrupted production operations.

• Monitor utility performance and recommend improvements that enhance system reliability and operational efficiency.

• Support production teams by responding promptly to equipment-related issues.

• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to optimize plant performance.

5. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment histories, work orders, and service reports.

• Document equipment inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities in accordance with company procedures.

• Report equipment defects, recurring failures, and recommended corrective actions.

• Ensure maintenance documentation is complete, accurate, and up to date.

6. Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations, company safety policies, and environmental standards.

• Promote safe work practices during maintenance and repair activities.

• Ensure proper handling and disposal of refrigerants and hazardous materials in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Participate in workplace safety inspections, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.

7. Contractor & Project Support

• Supervise external contractors to ensure maintenance work meets required quality, safety, and technical standards.

• Support engineering projects involving equipment installation, refurbishment, and plant expansion.

• Verify completed work and ensure compliance with technical specifications.

• Contribute to maintenance planning and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance equipment reliability.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess either of the following:

• Trade Test Certificate in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning together with an Ordinary Diploma in a relevant technical field and a minimum of five (5) years' experience in a manufacturing environment;

OR

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline with at least one (1) year of relevant industrial experience.

Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• Practical experience in refrigeration, HVAC systems, and industrial utility maintenance.

• Experience carrying out preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance.

• Hands-on experience troubleshooting refrigeration and air conditioning systems within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience in the dairy, food processing, or FMCG industry will be an added advantage.

Technical Knowledge

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of:

• Industrial refrigeration systems.

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.

• Chillers, cold rooms, compressors, condensers, and evaporators.

• Water cooling systems and plant utilities.

• Preventive and predictive maintenance techniques.

• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.

• Equipment condition monitoring.

• Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations.

• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical manuals.

• Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Word and MS Excel.

Knowledge of the following will be an added advantage:

• Vibration analysis.

• Laser alignment.

• Equipment balancing techniques.

Skills & Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong technical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• High attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong planning and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to prioritize multiple maintenance activities in a fast-paced environment.

• Flexibility to respond effectively during equipment breakdowns and emergencies.

• Strong commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.

• Teamwork, accountability, and a results-oriented approach.

Working Environment

This position is based within a manufacturing and processing facility and requires working around refrigeration plants, production equipment, and industrial utilities. The successful candidate may be required to participate in planned shutdowns, emergency maintenance, and an on-call support schedule to ensure uninterrupted plant operations.

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit the following documents:

• A signed application letter (maximum one page).

• A summarized Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum one page).

• Copies of all relevant academic, professional, and supporting documents.

Applications should be sent via email to humanresources@kinangopdairy.co.ke with the subject line:

REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN APPLICATION

Application Deadline: 30th July 2026

Only candidates who meet the stated qualifications and submit complete applications before the closing date will be shortlisted and contacted.