Sr. Engineering Manager - 1D Systems Modeling & Simulation

Make your mark at the world's largest HVAC company

Daikin Applied is seeking a Sr. Engineering Manager - 1D Systems Modeling & Simulation (HVAC). The Sr. Engineering Manager will lead our globally distributed 1D Systems Modeling and Simulation team within the central engineering organization. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for building and scaling model-based design capabilities that support new product development and performance optimization across our Applied Air Handlers, Chillers, and Applied Terminal Systems business units.

This leader will be accountable for the development and deployment of both steady-state and dynamic systems models, as well as the modeling tools and infrastructure required to enable model-in-the-loop workflows. Simulation tools currently include Dymola for dynamic modeling and VapCyc and Coil Designer for steady-state thermodynamic analysis.

The successful candidate will not only manage modeling projects and people but will also serve as a thought leader and change agent, helping expand simulation adoption across the enterprise. This individual must collaborate actively with internal test labs, controls teams, and product development groups, while also building relationships with external vendors, universities, and research partners. Come be a part of an exciting journey at Daikin Applied, where innovation and excellence drive our every endeavor!

Location: Plymouth, MN - Hybrid

What you will do:

• Lead a globally distributed team in the development, calibration, and deployment of HVAC system models for both design and control validation purposes
• Own and execute the roadmap for 1D modeling toolchain development, ensuring integration across simulation, controls, and lab workflows
• Collaborate closely with test labs to ensure accurate model validation and robust calibration methodologies based on physical data
• Support new product initiatives by providing simulation insights to influence system architecture, control strategies, and performance optimization
• Champion simulation best practices, model reuse strategies, and the establishment of standard modeling workflows across the enterprise
• Build and sustain relationships with external research labs, universities, software vendors, and industry consortia, as well as internal partners across Daikin's domestic and global business units, to leverage shared knowledge and technology
• Forecast operating costs of the department and direct preparation of budget requests
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for a high-performance engineering team
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities including hiring, training, performance management, and resolving employee issues in accordance with company policies
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and regulations while maintaining a working knowledge of new technologies and industry trends

What's in it for you:

• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, PTO, 401K match, support for community involvement and much more
• The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth
• The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives, and ideas to achieve our best

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of experience in systems simulation and engineering with at least 3-5 years of people leadership experience
• Strong technical expertise in thermodynamic cycle modeling, dynamic systems simulation, and control system interaction using tools such as Dymola, Modelica, VapCyc, and Coil Designer
• Deep understanding of HVAC system physics, including heat exchangers, compressors, and expansion devices
• Demonstrated experience with model validation, test correlation, and lab collaboration workflows
• Proven ability to manage large-scale, moderately complex technical programs, delegate technical work, and guide engineering decisions across disciplines
• Demonstrated experience mentoring engineers, managing performance, and cultivating technical leadership
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate, influence, and communicate with cross-functional stakeholders, including test, controls, product development, and business unit leadership
• Strategic mindset with the ability to establish operational plans and drive long-range modeling and simulation initiatives
• Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD
• Experience supporting commercial HVAC product lines including custom engineered solutions
• Familiarity with model-in-the-loop (MiL) or hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) simulations
• Prior experience establishing simulation infrastructure, repositories, or reusable model libraries
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies or hybrid Agile-Waterfall environments

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 contributions matching 100% of the first 3% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 2% of employee contributions
• Company provided life insurance + optional employee-paid voluntary life insurance, dependent life coverage, and voluntary accident coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability
• 3 weeks of paid time off for new employees + 11 company-paid holidays
• Vacation accrues on a monthly basis, unless applicable federal, state, and local law requires a faster accrual
• Paid sick time in accordance with the federal, state, and local law
• Paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service

The typical annual base salary for this position ranges from $126,100-$215,400+ 25% bonus in Minnesota. The range displayed represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade which this position falls. Individual base pay will depend on a wide range of factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

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