Senior Development Engineer III – 1D Systems Modeling and Simulation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance options

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K retirement plan with employer  |

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid sick time

Tuition Reimbursement

Work visa sponsorship not available

Job summary

Daikin Applied, the world’s leading HVAC company, is seeking a Senior Development Engineer III to develop and calibrate 1D system models for commercial HVAC products in Plymouth, MN. Hybrid work model.

You will build reusable libraries, automate model generation, and support MiL testing across chillers, air handlers, and terminal systems. The role combines steady-state and dynamic modeling with simulation tool development, data-driven calibration, and AI/ML integration to accelerate product

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent: MS with 4+ years; PhD 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, libraries, or simulation software.
• Experience with standard system simulation tools such as Dymola (preferred), GT Suite, Simscape, or Amesim, and familiarity with 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.

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 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 to define simulation requirements and standardize toolsets, workflows, and modeling libraries across business units.
• Support the new product development phase-gate process for 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 ML/AI tools to accelerate calibration, surrogate modeling, controller tuning, or automation of modeling workflows.
• Provide guidance on best practices for simulation tool development, version control, and CI, and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Programming

Thermodynamics

Modeling & Simulation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

Julia

MATLAB

R

Dymola

Simscape

GT Suite

Amesim

FMI/FMU

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
• Experience 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:

• 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! 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.