Industrial Engineer

Gradian Thermal Solutions; Dayton (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental plans

401k matching

Paid holidays and generous PTO

HSA, FSA and Dependent Care plans

Education assistance program

Job summary

Gradian Thermal Solutions is seeking an Industrial Engineer to improve manufacturing efficiency in a commercial HVAC production environment. You will analyze processes, labor standards, and layout to optimize production while upholding quality and safety.

Collaborate across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain on continuous improvement initiatives. The role focuses on throughput, labor utilization, cost reduction, and data-driven performance metrics, with opportunities to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering.
• 2–5 years of manufacturing experience, HVAC or engineered products preferred.
• Experience with time studies and labor modeling.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and data analysis.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze processes to identify waste and improve efficiency.
• Lead Lean initiatives including Kaizen events and 5S.
• Develop labor standards and perform time studies.
• Support capacity planning and line balancing.
• Monitor KPIs like labor efficiency and throughput.
• Assist with NPI and engineering changes.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Time studies & work measurement

Data analysis

Labor standards development

Process improvement

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP/MES systems

AutoCAD

Layout/design tools

Job description

Gradian is an engineering-led, full-line thermal solutions partner serving data center and other mission-critical, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Maple Grove, MN, with additional facilities across North America, we design and manufacture liquid cooling systems, air handling equipment, heat rejection units, and modular, factory-assembled thermal management solutions.Gradian was founded through the unification of four complementary, established brands: MAS HVAC, Daedex, DeepCoolAI, and EcoChillers. Together, we act as a single-source provider, deploying cooling technologies as scalable systems optimized for efficiency, spatial constraints, and overall performance. With a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing model, we pair rapid design turnaround with precision fabrication, so customers can move faster on complex projects where reliability, timeline, and quality all matter.Why work hereAt Gradian, you'll work alongside others who get genuinely fired up by complex problems, see your work go from first sketch to job site in weeks, not years, and know that while we're developing the technologies critical for AI infrastructure to scale, our culture remains people-first by design.It is core to our identity that we operate as one team — driving to win together, energizing others, and building lasting relationships that make the work fun and rewarding.Position Summary:The Industrial Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and cost performance in a commercial HVAC production environment. This role analyzes processes, labor standards, material flow, and layout to optimize production of HVAC equipment while maintaining quality, safety, and delivery requirements. The Industrial Engineer partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to support continuous improvement initiatives.Key Responsibilities:Process Improvement & Lean ManufacturingAnalyze manufacturing processes to identify waste, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunitiesLead and support Lean initiatives including Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and 5SImplement standardized work to improve consistency, safety, and productivitySupport continuous improvement projects focused on throughput, labor utilization, and cost reductionTime Studies & Labor StandardsConduct time studies and work measurement analysisEstablish and maintain labor standards for production and assembly operationsSupport capacity planning and staffing models based on demand and seasonal fluctuationsPartner with Operations to balance production lines and optimize labor deploymentLayout & Material FlowDesign and improve plant layouts to optimize material flow and minimize handlingSupport point‑of‑use material strategies and warehouse‑to‑line replenishmentEvaluate ergonomics and workstation design to improve safety and productivityProduction Support & Performance MetricsAnalyze production data to identify trends in efficiency, scrap, rework, and downtimeDevelop and maintain KPIs such as labor efficiency, cycle time, takt time, and throughputSupport root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issuesAssist in ramp‑ups, new product introductions (NPI), and process changesQuality, Safety & ComplianceEnsure process changes align with quality standards and safety requirementsSupport PFMEA, control plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)Partner with EHS and Quality teams to drive injury reduction and defect preventionCross‑Functional CollaborationCollaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and MaintenanceSupport engineering change implementation with minimal production disruptionProvide data‑driven recommendations to leadershipQualifications & Requirements:Required:Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (HVAC, heavy equipment, or engineered products preferred)Experience supporting assembly lines, fabrication, or configurable productsFamiliarity with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysisPreferred:Experience in commercial HVAC or engineered‑to‑order manufacturingKnowledge of mixed‑model or low‑to‑medium volume production environmentsFamiliarity with AutoCAD or layout/design toolsLean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)Key Competencies:Strong analytical and problem‑solving skillsSolid knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and work measurementExperience with time studies and labor modelingProficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with data visualization tools a plusEffective communication and change‑management skillsAbility to work effectively in a fast‑paced, hands‑on manufacturing environmentBenefits:Medical, vision, and dental plansShort-term and long-term disability insuranceGroup term life insurance coverageHSA, FSA, and Dependent Care plans available8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, and generous PTO policy401k matchingCompany paid eventsAnnual safety shoe allowanceEducation assistance programEEO Statement:Gradian Thermal Solutions is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status.Employment decisions at Gradian are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and actively promote a culture of fairness, equity, and opportunity.We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable laws.