Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineer

What are we looking for:Are you an experienced AC and refrigeration engineer looking to take your career to the next level with a dynamic, growing company? Universal Gas Solutions Ltd (UGS) is expanding its mechanical services division and we are seeking a skilled, self-motivated Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineer to join our team across Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties.At UGS, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding service across domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors. You will join a close-knit team of highly qualified engineers, benefit from a fully-equipped company vehicle, and have genuine opportunities for progression as we continue to grow.What We OfferCompetitive salary, negotiable depending on experience and qualificationsCompany van with fuel card (personal use considered)22 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with serviceEmployer pension contributionOngoing manufacturer and industry training & CPD supportCall-out allowance and overtime opportunitiesBranded uniform and PPE providedGenuine career progression in a growing businessSupportive, professional team environmentThe Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineer is responsible for the installation, commissioning, planned preventative maintenance (PPM), fault diagnosis, and repair of a wide range of air conditioning and refrigeration systems across domestic, commercial, and light industrial sites. The post-holder will work as part of the UGS operations team, representing the company professionally at all times and delivering high-quality workmanship in accordance with all applicable industry regulations, standards, and company procedures.Key ResponsibilitiesInstallation & CommissioningInstall, commission, and hand over a wide variety of air conditioning systems including split, multi-split, VRF/VRV, cassette, ceiling and floor-mounted, ducted, and commercial packaged systemsCarry out full pipe work and refrigerant line fabrication and installation, electrical first-fix and final connection (to own scope of competence), and condensate drainageCommission all systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, complete F-Gas records, and submit accurate commissioning documentationAccurately complete all installation job packs, risk assessments, and method statements prior to and upon completion of worksMaintenance & ServiceUndertake planned preventative maintenance (PPM) visits in accordance with contract schedules, completing detailed service records and reporting findings to the operations teamCarry out reactive maintenance, fault finding, and repair across all system types, utilising diagnostic equipment to an advanced levelReplace component parts including compressors, PCBs, fans, condensers, and refrigerant components as required, using appropriate recovery, reclaim, and recharge proceduresAdvise clients on system condition, energy efficiency improvements, and lifecycle planningHeat Pumps & RenewablesInstall and maintain air source heat pump (ASHP) systems for space heating and domestic hot water applications, including associated controls and hot water cylindersCarry out commissioning of ASHP systems in compliance with MCS standards where applicableProvide technical guidance to clients regarding heat pump operation, efficiency, and integration with existing heating systemsRefrigerationService and maintain commercial refrigeration systems including coldrooms, display cabinets, blast chillers, and walk-in freezersDiagnose and repair refrigeration faults, carry out leak testing, and manage all F-Gas obligations associated with refrigerant handlingCompliance & AdministrationMaintain full compliance with F-Gas Regulation (EC) 517/2014 and all associated record-keeping requirementsAdhere to all health and safety legislation including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, CDM Regulations, and company-specific H&S policiesComplete job sheets, timesheets, engineer reports, and handover documentation accurately and promptly via the company's job management systemCarry out and document site-specific risk assessments and dynamic risk assessments as requiredManage van stock levels, raising parts requests promptly and keeping the vehicle clean, organised, and roadworthyAttend toolbox talks, team meetings, and mandatory training as requiredAll of the following are essential unless stated:F-Gas & Refrigerant HandlingCity & Guilds 2079 F-Gas Category I Certificate (or equivalent REFCOM / ACRIB recognised qualification) - ESSENTIALCurrent F-Gas qualification covering systems containing fluorinated greenhouse gases in accordance with Regulation (EU) 517/2014 as retained in UK law - ESSENTIALAir Conditioning & Heat Pump QualificationsCity & Guilds 6187 (or equivalent) - Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems - ESSENTIALNVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, or equivalent recognised vocational qualification - ESSENTIALMCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation or willingness to work towards under company sponsorship - DESIRABLEManufacturer-specific training certification (e.g. Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Samsung, LG, Panasonic) - HIGHLY DESIRABLEElectrical18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) - DESIRABLE; those without encouraged to apply if prepared to achieveCity & Guilds 2391 or 2394/2395 (Inspection & Testing) - DESIRABLEHealth & SafetyCSCS Card (Blue Skilled Worker or Gold Advanced Craftsperson minimum) - ESSENTIALIPAF (Powered Access) Licence - DESIRABLEPASMA (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) - DESIRABLEAsbestos Awareness (Cat A) - ESSENTIALWorking at Height awareness training - ESSENTIALManual Handling certificate - ESSENTIALDrivingFull UK Driving Licence with no more than 6 penalty points - ESSENTIALExperienceMinimum 5 years post-qualification experience working as an AC/refrigeration engineer in a field-based role - ESSENTIALProven hands-on experience installing, commissioning, servicing, and fault-finding across the full range of system types: split, multi-split, VRF/VRV, cassette, ceiling-mounted, floor-mounted, concealed ducted, commercial packaged units, and portable/spot coolersDemonstrated experience with air source heat pump systems - ESSENTIALExperience working across both commercial and domestic environmentsTrack record of managing own workload, prioritising reactive jobs, and meeting SLAs with minimal supervisionExperience using digital job management or CAFM systems - DESIRABLEExperience of working within a multi-disciplinary engineering business alongside gas, plumbing, or electrical teams - DESIRABLESkills, Knowledge & Personal AttributesTechnical SkillsAdvanced fault diagnosis skills across AC, refrigeration, and heat pump systemsStrong understanding of thermodynamic principles, refrigerant properties, and system designCompetence in electrical fault finding relevant to AC and refrigeration systemsAbility to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and manufacturer documentationProficiency with diagnostic tools including manifold gauges, vacuum pumps, leak detectors, and multi-metersPersonal AttributesHigh standard of workmanship and professional pride in output qualityExcellent communication skills - able to liaise professionally with clients, site managers, and internal teamsSelf-motivated and reliable with a strong attendance recordCustomer-focused with a positive, problem-solving attitudeComfortable working independently and as part of a teamFlexible approach to working hours, including occasional out-of-hours emergency workCommitment to ongoing professional development and upskillingWorking Conditions & Physical RequirementsField-based role covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and London - occasional travel further afield may be requiredStandard working hours Monday-Friday with scheduled on-call rotaWork may involve confined spaces, working at height, handling refrigerants, and lifting equipment up to 25kgClean and tidy work practices required; all sites to be left in an acceptable condition