Principal Engineer - Applied Terminal Systems

Daikin Applied Americas Inc; Iowa (LA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 219,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

401K plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Daikin Applied Americas Inc. in Plymouth, MN, seeks a Principal Engineer for Applied Terminal Systems to lead the business unit's technical direction and drive innovations across product portfolios.

You will champion IP development, mentor engineering teams, and collaborate with cross‑functional partners to align technology with market needs. The role offers hybrid work and a substantial base salary with performance bonus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience with leadership.
• Proven track record in driving innovation and IP.
• Ability to translate emerging tech into business opportunities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic thinking and decision-making.
• Excellent leadership and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary technical authority for technology direction.
• Lead research to identify and integrate new technologies into products.
• Champion IP development and patents.
• Collaborate with legal and R&D to protect innovations.
• Partner with leadership to pursue tech-driven opportunities.
• Guide product roadmaps and technology strategy.
• Mentor engineering teams and foster growth.
• Align technical capabilities with market needs.

Skills

Technical leadership

IP strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Join the world's largest HVAC company, named by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2025! Principal Engineer – Applied Terminal Systems Make your mark at the world’s largest HVAC company Daikin Applied is seeking an innovative and dynamic Engineer to serve as a Principal Engineer for Applied Terminal Systems. This role will serve as the technical leader for the Business Unit, driving innovation and shaping the future of our product portfolio. This role is pivotal in linking emerging technologies to viable products, establishing proprietary designs through intellectual property (IP) advocacy, and fostering a culture of technical excellence. The ideal candidate combines deep industry expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities. Come be a part of an exciting journey at Daikin Applied, where innovation and excellence drive our every endeavor!

Location: Hybrid, Plymouth, MN

What you will do:

• Technical Leadership: Act as the primary technical authority for the Business Unit, setting strategic direction for technology development
• Lead research initiatives to identify and integrate new technologies into future products
• Innovation & IP Advocacy: Champion intellectual property development, ensuring proprietary designs and competitive differentiation
• Collaborate with legal and R&D teams to secure patents and protect innovations
• Business Growth & Strategy: Partner with senior leadership to evaluate and pursue new business opportunities driven by technology advancements
• Contribute to Business Unit-level decisions impacting product and technology roadmaps
• Mentorship & Team Development: Coach and mentor engineering teams, fostering technical growth and leadership skills
• Promote a collaborative and innovative work environment across functions
• Cross-Functional Engagement: Participate in enterprise-level product and technology discussions, influencing strategic initiatives
• Work closely with marketing, operations, and product management to align technical capabilities with market needs

What’s in it for you:

• 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 Engineering
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience, including leadership roles in product development and technology strategy
• Proven track record of driving innovation and securing IP in a relevant industry
• Strong technical acumen with ability to translate emerging technologies into business opportunities
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Engineering

Benefits:

• 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

The typical annual base salary for this position ranges from $130,400 - $219,100 plus a 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.

If you're looking for an engaging career with growth opportunities in a supportive environment, you'll love a career at Daikin Applied! 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. And we are honored to say we were named to Forbes' America's Best-In-State Employers list for 2025, ranking #1 in Minnesota for Manufacturing and Engineering. 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. 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.