Jobs › Conagra Brands

Senior Combustion & Refrigeration Engineer

Conagra Brands · Chicago, IL · $82,000–$120,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found a serious safety gap at a site. How did you get it fixed?

What they are checking: Whether they can drive corrective action at a plant they do not run, through influence and clear risk communication.

This is a remote role with up to 50 percent travel. How would you stay effective across many plants?

What they are checking: Whether they can build relationships and follow-through with plant teams despite not being on site daily.

Tell me about a time you supported a project through commissioning and startup.

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on experience making sure systems start safely and perform as designed.

What would you do

A plant manager says a recommended capital improvement isn't in the budget. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can quantify risk and make a business case while being clear about what cannot wait.

How do you work with insurance carriers and outside consultants on combustion and refrigeration requirements?

What they are checking: Whether they can align company standards with insurer and code requirements and manage outside experts.

About the work

You'd support Conagra's Natural Gas Safety Management program. What would you look for during a combustion safety audit of a plant oven or boiler?

What they are checking: Knowledge of burner management systems, safety shutoff valves, purge and interlocks under codes such as NFPA 85 and 86.

Walk me through how you'd develop a natural gas purge plan for a new line.

What they are checking: Whether they understand purge methods, venting, monitoring and the hazards of introducing or removing gas from piping.

What are the main hazards of an ammonia refrigeration system, and which standards govern it?

What they are checking: Knowledge of ammonia risks and frameworks like OSHA PSM, EPA RMP and IIAR standards.

What goes into a Front End Loading package, and why does it matter?

What they are checking: Whether they know how early definition of scope, estimates and risks reduces project surprises.

How would you improve the energy efficiency of an industrial refrigeration system without hurting reliability?

What they are checking: Whether they know practical levers like head pressure control, variable speed drives and heat recovery.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Conagra Brands from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Conagra Brands.

Reporting to the Senior Principal Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and engineering support for Conagra’s Natural Gas Safety Management program and refrigeration systems across our manufacturing network. You will partner with plant teams, Corporate Engineering, external engineering firms, contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers to support safe operations, regulatory compliance, and system performance. This remote role requires up to 50% travel to manufacturing facilities and serves as a key technical resource for combustion and refrigeration systems. A Taste of Your Responsibilities • Support and enhance the Natural Gas Safety Management program through audits, engineering calculations, design reviews, and risk mitigation activities. • Partner with plant teams and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with company standards, industry codes, and insurance requirements. • Recommend capital improvements that enhance combustion and refrigeration system safety, reliability, and efficiency. • Coordinate combustion safety audits and support facilities in developing corrective action plans. • Develop engineering workflow documents, including budget estimates, Front End Loading packages, and technical briefs. • Support Engineering Project Managers through project design, execution, commissioning, and startup. • Assist with natural gas purge plan development and review. • Provide technical support during plant emergencies and operational disruptions. • Stay current on combustion and refrigeration technologies, standards, and industry best practices. • Provide technical guidance for refrigeration systems, industrial chillers, combustible gas piping systems, and combustion control equipment. Ingredients Required for Your Success • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field. • 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing. • 5+ years of experience managing industrial utility systems. • Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association combustion safety requirements. • Experience supporting combustible gas systems and utility infrastructure. • Familiarity with Industrial Refrigeration standards and recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices preferred. • 2+ years of refrigeration experience preferred. • Strong technical problem-solving and collaboration skills. • Experience working with contractors, consultants, equipment suppliers, and manufacturing teams. • Position may be based remotely east of Denver, Colorado and within reasonable proximity to a major airport, with regular travel to manufacturing facilities. • Willingness to travel up to 50%. • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future. Physical Requirements More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply: You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination. You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size. This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary. #LI-Remote #LI-EB1 #LI-MSL Compensation Pay Range:$82,000-$120,000 The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees. Anticipated Close Date October 26, 2026 Our Benefits We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role: • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities Our Company At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®. Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome. Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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