Senior Development Engineer III - 1D Systems Modeling and Simulation

Daikin Applied; Plymouth (MN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401K with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Daikin Applied, the world’s largest HVAC company, seeks a Senior Development Engineer III for 1D systems modeling in Plymouth, MN. You will develop and calibrate steady-state and dynamic models for chillers, air handlers, and terminal systems, supporting MiL testing and AI-assisted optimization.

Ideal candidates bring strong HVAC thermodynamics knowledge, advanced programming skills, and experience with libraries, frameworks, and tool development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent: M.S. with 4+ years; Ph.D. with relevant modeling or tool development experience).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamic cycle modeling, HVAC&R systems, heat transfer fundamentals, and both steady-state and dynamic system behavior.
• Proficiency in Julia, Python, MATLAB, or R with demonstrated experience developing tools or simulation software.
• Experience with Dymola (preferred), GT Suite, Simscape, or Amesim and familiarity with FMI standard.

Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate, and validate steady-state and dynamic models of HVAC systems.
• Design and implement libraries and development frameworks for system simulation with emphasis on reusability and modularity.
• Build tools to automate model generation, parameterization, calibration, and results processing.
• Interface Modelica models with Simulink, Python, and testing frameworks via FMI/FMU to support MiL workflows.
• Collaborate with global MBE teams to standardize toolsets, workflows, and modeling libraries across business units.
• Support product development phase-gate processes and ensure design maturity across milestones.
• Champion model standardization, documentation, traceability, and lifecycle governance.

Skills

HVAC systems

Thermodynamics

Modeling & simulation

Python

Julia

MATLAB

Dymola

FMI/FMU

MiL/HiL

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Eng

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Dymola

GT Suite

Simscape

Amesim

VapCyc

CoilDesigner

EES

Git

Job description

Join the world's largest HVAC company, named by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2025!

Senior Development Engineer III - 1D Systems Modeling and Simulation - Plymouth, MN - Hybrid

Daikin Applied is seeking a Senior Development Engineer III to develop, calibrate, and deploy both steady-state and dynamic 1D system models for commercial HVAC products, including chillers, air handlers, and applied terminal systems. As part of the central Model-Based Engineering (MBE) team, this role spans library development, tool development, and application for product design across both steady-state and dynamic simulation, supporting control strategy development, performance optimization, and model-in-the-loop (MiL) testing.

The position combines steady-state and dynamic library and ecosystem development with the application and support of modeling and simulation for product development. The ideal candidate brings strong programming skills, a solid understanding of HVAC thermodynamic systems, and a forward-thinking approach to simulation automation and AI/ML integration. Operating with growing technical independence, the role contributes to simulation best practices, supports cross-functional teams, and helps mentor junior engineers.

Come be a part of an exciting journey at Daikin Applied, where innovation and excellence drive our every endeavor!

Location:

Hybrid - Plymouth, MN

Your Responsibilities:

• Develop, calibrate, and validate both steady-state and physics-based dynamic models of HVAC systems, including compressors, heat exchangers, expansion devices, and control logic
• Design and implement libraries and development frameworks for steady-state and dynamic system simulation with an emphasis on reusability, modularity, and integration
• Build tools that automate model generation, parameterization, calibration, and results processing for thermodynamic system simulations
• Interface Modelica models with Simulink, Python, and testing frameworks via FMI/FMU to support model-in-the-loop (MiL) workflows
• Collaborate with global MBE teams and modeling practitioners to define simulation requirements and standardize toolsets, workflows, and modeling libraries across business units (Chillers, Air Handlers, Terminal Systems)
• Support the new product development phase-gate process, helping ensure appropriate design maturity across milestones
• Champion model standardization, documentation, traceability, and lifecycle governance practices
• Develop test plans and support component, subsystem, and system testing to validate simulation models
• Investigate and apply machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to accelerate calibration, surrogate modeling, controller tuning, or automation of complex modeling workflows
• Provide guidance on best practices for simulation tool development, version control, and continuous integration, and help mentor junior engineers

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field
• 6+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent: M.S. with 4+ years; Ph.D. with relevant modeling or tool development experience)
• Strong understanding of thermodynamic cycle modeling, HVAC&R systems, heat transfer fundamentals, and both steady-state and dynamic system behavior
• Proficiency in one or more technical computing languages such as Julia, Python, MATLAB, or R, with demonstrated experience developing tools, libraries, or simulation software
• Experience with standard system simulation tools such as Dymola (preferred), GT Suite, Simscape, or Amesim, and familiarity with the FMI standard
• Experience building and executing structured simulation workflows, including model integration with Simulink and FMI/FMU-based tools
• Familiarity with steady-state modeling platforms such as VapCyc, CoilDesigner, EES, or equivalent tools
• Experience designing model libraries, parameter databases, and calibration routines, and troubleshooting complex models
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to estimate work tasks and support project planning activities
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional, globally distributed environment

Your Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field
• Working knowledge of Fortran, C, C++, Java, or C#
• Experience with MiL and HiL simulation workflows
• Experience with machine learning, data analytics, or AI-assisted modeling and automation
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and software development best practices
• Background in experimental data acquisition and validation of simulation models using test data
• Exposure to API development, database interaction, or simulation-as-a-service frameworks
• Familiarity with controls development and embedded system integration
• Understanding of model reuse, simulation governance, and lifecycle management concepts
• Experience working with or across international engineering teams.

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 - $151,800 plus a 10% bonus in Minnesota. The range displayed represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade which these positions fall. 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!