OPT Refrigeration Technician Jobs
Refrigeration Technician jobs on OPT are available through HVACR contractors, food distribution companies, and commercial facilities that regularly sponsor skilled trades. Your F-1 OPT authorization covers hands-on technical work, including installation, diagnostics, and repair. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field, typically mechanical or environmental systems engineering.
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The Retail Refrigeration Technician is responsible for overseeing the safe operation, daily monitoring, maintenance and repair of retail HVAC / refrigeration equipment. This role works with mechanical systems, basic refrigeration systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and performs equipment installation (HVAC and Refrigeration). This role will serve customers by ensuring appropriate communication with store managers and following up on customer requests. Other responsibilities include record keeping, billing and tool inventory.
Job Description
Schedule: 7:30AM to 4:00PM Monday thru Friday
Earn: $27 - $30
Location: Midstate South Carolina
We offer:
- Paid training provided
- Weekly Pay
- Benefits available from day 1 (medical, dental, vision, company matched 401k)
- PTO and Holiday Pay offered
- In certain locations C&S offers $100 towards the purchase of safety shoes
- Career Progression Opportunities
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Health & Wellness program
- Employee Discounts / Purchasing programs
- Employee Assistance Program
Repairs:
- Perform basic refrigeration repairs to: compressors, evaporators, condensers, rack and other store equipment
- Perform repairs to department equipment, cases, coolers
- Perform repairs to HVAC systems
- Maintain E2, Dan Foss or CPC controller
Maintenance
- Perform PM on HVAC
- Check systems for Freon leaks
- Monitor Equipment for performance
- Record keeping and billing
- Complete Service orders upon completion of refrigeration call - repair/maintenance
- Complete credit card review and process receipts
- Order and maintain tools and parts on vehicle
Communication
- Communicate with Manager on repairs
- Communicate with store personnel on repairs necessary
- Travel Required: Yes
Environment
- Store: Retail Grocery
Skills
Specialized Knowledge:
- Computer/tablet/smart phone experience.
- Investigate and repair service calls, prepare a detailed service order report of findings. Present report to onsite personnel and department manager, along with corrective actions taken. Follow up and monitor to ensure completion of corrective actions. Determine best repair solution, either use parts available on truck or order new.
- Mechanical systems: mechanical concepts, troubleshooting and repairing appliances, performing basic household repair in plumbing, circuits, fuses, and electrical components, operating hand tools and power tools.
- Refrigeration: understands refrigeration cycle, Freon, and compressors, evaporators, condensers.
- Electrical systems: understands flow, wiring, and outlets.
- Plumbing: knowledge of maintaining and repairing drains, water supply, ice makers, shut-off valves, sweating copper, filtration systems.
Special Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, multi-tasking and prioritization
- Self-starter, detail oriented, demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, valid driver's license, EPA Certification class III or universal
Physical abilities:
- Physical ability to sit and stand for various periods, to conduct repetitive movements, and to lift (up to 100 lbs.)
- Exposure to cold/hot, cleaning chemicals, solvents, and moderate noise levels
- Retail store environment, roof top, motor room, vehicle
- Frequent physical exertion including walking, bending, sitting, climbing, pushing, and stooping
- Work in varying temperatures
- Ability to use and climb a ladder to multiple levels
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment on ears, eyes, hands, and feet
Years Of Experience
- 2-5: HVAC, Refrigeration, Electrical or equivalent work experience
Qualifications
Associate Degree - General Studies, KPIs, Safety & Sanitation, Technical Certification - General Studies, Training & Development, Values & Teamwork, Warranty
Shift
1st Shift (United States of America)
Company
C&S Wholesale Services, LLC
About Our Company
C&S Wholesale Services is one of many companies within the C&S Family of Companies, the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. and the industry leader in supply chain innovation. At C&S, We Select the Best® & those with the motivation, pride, and drive to succeed in our fast-paced world.
Working Safely is a Condition for Employment with C&S Wholesale Services, Inc. C&S Wholesale Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. The Company provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
Position Overview
The Retail Refrigeration Technician is responsible for overseeing the safe operation, daily monitoring, maintenance and repair of retail HVAC / refrigeration equipment. This role works with mechanical systems, basic refrigeration systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and performs equipment installation (HVAC and Refrigeration). This role will serve customers by ensuring appropriate communication with store managers and following up on customer requests. Other responsibilities include record keeping, billing and tool inventory.
Job Description
Schedule: 7:30AM to 4:00PM Monday thru Friday
Earn: $27 - $30
Location: Midstate South Carolina
We offer:
- Paid training provided
- Weekly Pay
- Benefits available from day 1 (medical, dental, vision, company matched 401k)
- PTO and Holiday Pay offered
- In certain locations C&S offers $100 towards the purchase of safety shoes
- Career Progression Opportunities
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Health & Wellness program
- Employee Discounts / Purchasing programs
- Employee Assistance Program
Repairs:
- Perform basic refrigeration repairs to: compressors, evaporators, condensers, rack and other store equipment
- Perform repairs to department equipment, cases, coolers
- Perform repairs to HVAC systems
- Maintain E2, Dan Foss or CPC controller
Maintenance
- Perform PM on HVAC
- Check systems for Freon leaks
- Monitor Equipment for performance
- Record keeping and billing
- Complete Service orders upon completion of refrigeration call - repair/maintenance
- Complete credit card review and process receipts
- Order and maintain tools and parts on vehicle
Communication
- Communicate with Manager on repairs
- Communicate with store personnel on repairs necessary
- Travel Required: Yes
Environment
- Store: Retail Grocery
Skills
Specialized Knowledge:
- Computer/tablet/smart phone experience.
- Investigate and repair service calls, prepare a detailed service order report of findings. Present report to onsite personnel and department manager, along with corrective actions taken. Follow up and monitor to ensure completion of corrective actions. Determine best repair solution, either use parts available on truck or order new.
- Mechanical systems: mechanical concepts, troubleshooting and repairing appliances, performing basic household repair in plumbing, circuits, fuses, and electrical components, operating hand tools and power tools.
- Refrigeration: understands refrigeration cycle, Freon, and compressors, evaporators, condensers.
- Electrical systems: understands flow, wiring, and outlets.
- Plumbing: knowledge of maintaining and repairing drains, water supply, ice makers, shut-off valves, sweating copper, filtration systems.
Special Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, multi-tasking and prioritization
- Self-starter, detail oriented, demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, valid driver's license, EPA Certification class III or universal
Physical abilities:
- Physical ability to sit and stand for various periods, to conduct repetitive movements, and to lift (up to 100 lbs.)
- Exposure to cold/hot, cleaning chemicals, solvents, and moderate noise levels
- Retail store environment, roof top, motor room, vehicle
- Frequent physical exertion including walking, bending, sitting, climbing, pushing, and stooping
- Work in varying temperatures
- Ability to use and climb a ladder to multiple levels
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment on ears, eyes, hands, and feet
Years Of Experience
- 2-5: HVAC, Refrigeration, Electrical or equivalent work experience
Qualifications
Associate Degree - General Studies, KPIs, Safety & Sanitation, Technical Certification - General Studies, Training & Development, Values & Teamwork, Warranty
Shift
1st Shift (United States of America)
Company
C&S Wholesale Services, LLC
About Our Company
C&S Wholesale Services is one of many companies within the C&S Family of Companies, the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. and the industry leader in supply chain innovation. At C&S, We Select the Best® & those with the motivation, pride, and drive to succeed in our fast-paced world.
Working Safely is a Condition for Employment with C&S Wholesale Services, Inc. C&S Wholesale Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. The Company provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Refrigeration Technician
Target employers with EPA Section 608 certification requirements
Companies that require EPA 608 certification for their technicians are serious about hiring credentialed professionals. These employers invest in long-term staff and are more likely to sponsor H-2B visa or H-1B visas for skilled refrigeration technicians after OPT ends.
Highlight any HVACR certifications on your resume
EPA 608, NATE certification, or state-level HVACR licenses signal to employers that you meet U.S. industry standards. Certified candidates face less friction in the hiring process and give employers stronger grounds for sponsorship documentation down the line.
Focus on commercial and industrial employers over residential
Large commercial facilities, cold storage warehouses, and food processing plants run complex refrigeration systems year-round. These operations have dedicated maintenance budgets and structured HR processes, making them more equipped to handle OPT paperwork and future visa sponsorship.
Address your OPT authorization proactively with employers
Many HVACR employers have never hired an international technician. Bring your EAD card and a one-page summary of your OPT work authorization to interviews. Removing ambiguity early builds confidence and prevents your application from stalling in the hiring process.
Track your OPT end date and initiate STEM extension early
If your degree qualifies, file your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your standard OPT expires. Refrigeration technician roles tied to engineering or applied technology degrees may qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before counting on the extension.
Build relationships with union HVACR contractors
IBEW and UA-affiliated contractors employ large numbers of refrigeration technicians and often have established processes for work authorization compliance. Apprenticeship completions and union cards carry weight with these employers and strengthen your case for long-term sponsorship.
Refrigeration Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Refrigeration Technician on F-1 OPT?
Yes, as long as your job is directly related to your field of study. Refrigeration technician roles typically align with mechanical engineering technology, HVACR engineering, or applied technology degrees. Your EAD card authorizes full-time employment in your field. Confirm the connection with your DSO if your degree is in a closely related but not identical field.
Do Refrigeration Technician employers typically sponsor visas after OPT?
Some do, particularly large commercial refrigeration contractors, food distribution companies, and industrial facility operators. These employers depend on skilled technicians year-round and have reason to invest in sponsorship. Employers sponsoring H-2B visas are more common in this trade than H-1B, though H-1B remains an option for roles tied to engineering functions. Browse employers open to sponsorship on Migrate Mate.
Does a Refrigeration Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree is in mechanical engineering technology, environmental systems engineering, or a related STEM field listed on the STEM OPT CIP code list, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Confirm eligibility with your DSO. The role itself must also align with your degree at the time of the extension application.
What documents should I have ready when applying for Refrigeration Technician jobs on OPT?
Bring your EAD card, valid F-1 visa, I-20 with OPT authorization, and your passport to any job offer or onboarding meeting. Employers use these for I-9 employment verification. Having your EPA 608 certification, any state HVACR license, and a brief written explanation of OPT authorization ready also helps with employers unfamiliar with the program.
How do I find Refrigeration Technician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Use Migrate Mate to search Refrigeration Technician roles filtered for OPT-friendly employers. Many general job boards don't flag visa authorization requirements clearly, which wastes time. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with a history of sponsoring international workers, so you can focus your applications where there's genuine hiring interest.