Sr. Thermal Systems Engineer - Data Center Chillers

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 displayed represents the 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.

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.

About Us

Building a more sustainable planet. Creating comfortable, healthy spaces for people to connect, live and work. Perfecting the air we share.

Daikin Applied is not just an HVAC company. We're part of a global technology powerhouse that uses Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) to transform the world. We're innovators and leaders. Not only as a business, but as individuals.

You see, we're not just innovating on the outside. We're innovating on the inside to unlock people's unlimited potential and bring out the diverse and groundbreaking ideas that will help us solve today's most pressing challenges.

That's why Daikin offers more than a job. Here's where you'll be heard, be valued, belong -- and be able to make your mark.

The Daikin Applied Brand Family

Over the past several years, we’ve proudly welcomed several organizations into our family, each bringing unique strengths, deep expertise, and talented teams. As we continue to grow, these partners play a vital role in expanding our capabilities and shaping the future of our organization. Whichever Daikin Applied company you join, you’ll be part of a unified, supportive environment where you can make an impact and grow your career.

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