Refrigeration Head

Company: Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems Initial Location: Kolkata (2-3 months) Final Location: Chennai Salary Range: ₹7-9 LPA Reports To: COO & CEO Department: Engineering & Product Development Employment Type: Full-time About Akvo Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems is a global leader in sustainable water technology, specializing in atmospheric water generation (AWG). With installations in 15+ countries, Akvo integrates IoT, energy efficiency, and advanced refrigeration into its products. We are seeking a Refrigeration Head to lead the development and optimization of our cooling and refrigeration systems, ensuring maximum efficiency in diverse climatic conditions. Job Summary The Refrigeration Head will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing refrigeration and cooling systems used in Akvo’s AWGs. The role demands expertise in thermodynamics, HVAC, refrigeration systems, and energy-efficient cooling technologies. The ideal candidate will lead R&D efforts, oversee manufacturing, and work with cross-functional teams to improve system performance and reliability. Location Requirement • The role will begin in Kolkata for the first 2-3 months to work closely with the existing team, understand the manufacturing setup, and align development efforts. • After this period, the final place of employment will be Chennai, where Akvo’s engineering and manufacturing hub will be established. Key Responsibilities 1. System Design & Development • Lead the engineering and design of refrigeration and cooling systems for Akvo’s AWGs. • Optimize cooling technologies to enhance water extraction efficiency under different climate conditions. • Develop and implement energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigerant solutions. • Integrate smart controls, IoT-based automation, and remote monitoring into refrigeration systems. 2. Research & Innovation • Keep up with emerging refrigeration technologies, regulatory requirements, and industry trends. • Test and analyze advanced refrigerants, heat exchangers, and cooling mechanisms to improve product performance. • Collaborate with research institutions and external partners to enhance technology innovations. 3. Product Testing & Quality Assurance • Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of refrigeration components for new and existing products. • Ensure compliance with international safety and environmental standards (ASHRAE, IEC, ISO, etc.). • Conduct failure analysis and corrective action implementation to improve system reliability. 4. Manufacturing & Supply Chain Coordination • Work with manufacturing teams to streamline production and assembly of refrigeration systems. • Collaborate with suppliers to source high-quality and cost-effective refrigeration components. • Implement process standardization for uniform product quality. 5. Team Leadership & Project Management • Lead and mentor a team of refrigeration engineers, technicians, and support staff. • Manage project timelines, budgets, and technical deliverables related to refrigeration development. • Provide technical training to internal teams and external partners. Key Skills & Qualifications Technical Skills • Deep knowledge of refrigeration cycles, thermodynamics, HVAC, and heat exchangers. • Expertise in vapor compression and absorption refrigeration systems. • Experience with natural and eco-friendly refrigerants (e.g., R290, CO₂, R1234yf, R600a). • Hands-on experience in system modeling, CFD simulations, and energy efficiency optimization. • Familiarity with IoT-enabled refrigeration systems, smart energy management, and automation. • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and refrigeration design tools. Soft Skills • Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities. • Proven ability to lead and mentor teams in a fast-paced environment. • Excellent project management and organizational skills. • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. • Detail-oriented approach with a focus on quality and continuous improvement. Experience & Education • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, HVAC, or a related field. • 8+ years of experience in refrigeration system design, HVAC, or thermodynamic engineering. • Experience in water technology, air conditioning, or industrial cooling systems is a plus. • Familiarity with international refrigeration standards and certifications. Salary & Benefits • Salary Range: ₹7-9 LPA • Relocation assistance for the transition from Kolkata to Chennai. • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, sustainable water technology. • Be part of a rapidly growing company with a global footprint.