Sr. Thermal Systems Engineer - Data Center Chillers
Plymouth, MN · HybridFull-time$90–189K/yrSeen 2 days agoSeen in employer's feed 2 days ago
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Job overview
Daikin Applied seeks a Senior Thermal Systems Engineer to lead design, development, analysis, and validation of commercial HVAC systems for data center chillers. The role leads complex development programs from concept through product launch, including system architecture, performance optimization, testing, and validation. It collaborates with cross-functional teams and provides technical guidance to engineers. The position is hybrid, with four days per week in the office, in Plymouth, Minnesota or Staunton, Virginia.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Job Duties
Join the world's largest HVAC company!
Daikin Applied is seeking a Sr. Thermal Systems Engineer. The Senior Thermal Systems Engineer will lead the design, development, analysis, and validation of commercial HVAC systems and subsystems for data center chillers. This role is responsible for developing innovative thermal solutions through the application of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, vapor compression technology, and systems engineering principles.
In this role, you will serve as the technical lead for complex HVAC development programs, driving system architecture, performance optimization, testing, and validation activities from concept through product launch. Collaborating closely with Controls, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Product Management, and Supply Chain teams to deliver industry-leading HVAC solutions. Come be a part of an exciting journey at Daikin Applied, where innovation and excellence drive our every endeavor!
Location: Staunton, VA or Plymouth, MN - Hybrid (4 days/week in office)
What you will do:
Lead the design, development, and optimization of commercial HVAC thermal systems and subsystems.
Own system architecture and thermal performance for products including chillers, air handlers, rooftop units, refrigeration systems, and related equipment.
Apply thermodynamic, heat transfer, fluid flow, and vapor compression principles to develop high-performance HVAC solutions.
Develop and execute comprehensive verification and validation plans, including DVP&R, DFMEA, DOE, certification testing, and reliability testing.
Lead prototype development, product testing, data analysis, and root cause investigations to drive continuous product improvement.
Develop thermal system models and perform engineering analysis using tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, VapCyc, CFD, Dymola, and FEA platforms.
Translate customer, regulatory, and business requirements into robust system-level engineering solutions.
Lead cross-functional engineering teams through the New Product Development process from concept through production launch.
Partner with Product Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Controls Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure successful product introduction and lifecycle support.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers across the organization.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
8+ years of experience in HVAC, refrigeration, thermal systems, or electromechanical product development.
Strong knowledge of:
Thermodynamics
Heat transfer
Fluid mechanics
Vapor compression systems
Thermal system analysis
System architecture development
Experience developing HVAC, chiller, refrigeration, air handling, heat pump, or related thermal systems.
Experience with thermal modeling, simulation, product testing, and validation.
Experience with DOE, DFMEA, DVP&R, and root cause analysis methodologies.
Demonstrated success leading new product development programs from concept through launch.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
Your Benefits:
Daikin Applied offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
Multiple medical insurance plan options + dental and vision insurance
401K retirement plan with employer match
Paid time off and company-paid holidays
Paid sick time in accordance with the federal, state and local law
Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service
Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
The typical annual base salary for this position ranges from $90,400-188,700 + 10% bonus in Virginia and Minnesota. The range displayedrepresentsthe pay range for all positions in the job grade in which this position falls. Individual base pay will depend on a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
#LI-NA1 #LI-Hybrid
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements, including verification of employment history, education, background screening, and drug testing where permitted by law. Safety-sensitive positions may require cannabis (marijuana) testing. All testing and employment decisions will comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
If you're looking for an engaging career with growth opportunities in a supportive environment, you'll love a career at Daikin Applied!
Equal Opportunity Employment: It is the policy of Daikin Applied to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, membership or activity in a local commission, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Minimum Education Required
Bachelor Degree
Minimum Experience Required
8 - 20 years
Shift
First (Day)
Number of Openings
1
Public Transportation Accessible
Yes
Veterans Encouraged to Apply
No
Physical Required
Yes
Drug Test Required
Yes
Compensation
$11.41 / Hourly
Postal Code
55441
Job Type
Full Time
Place of Work
On-site
Requisition ID
R001057
Job Benefits
Not specified
How this job compares
Set against the 7,571 open Mechanical Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 5, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$90–189K/yr
- Minnesota median$91–128K/yr114 salary ranges
- US median$105–160K/yr4,512 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $140K, is 23% above the Minnesota median midpoint ($114K) — in the top quarter of Mechanical Engineer salary ranges in Minnesota.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 201 open Mechanical Engineer jobs in Minnesota and 7,571 across the US. 2% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in Minnesota
- ManpowerGroup68 open
- Actalent8 open
- Polaris Industries7 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 8 years of experience — more than three in four Mechanical Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for (median 5 years, across 6,299 postings).
- Education
- 5,230 of the 7,571 open Mechanical Engineer jobs (69%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 5, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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