Staff Development Engineer IV - Engineering Data Scientist and Digital Twin Specialist

Daikin Applied; Plymouth (MN); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K with employer match

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Daikin Applied seeks an Engineering Data Scientist & Digital Twin Specialist in Plymouth, MN, with emphasis on Reduced Order Modeling and hybrid digital twins. You will bridge high-fidelity simulations with data-driven models and deploy surrogates for real-time analytics and optimization.

The role requires expertise in ML-based modeling, Python/C++, and industry tools (Twin Builder/Simcenter). Collaboration across engineering, software, and data teams is essential in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of industry/research experience in applied ML, scientific computing, or physics-based simulation.
• Proven track record of building and deploying Reduced Order Models (ROMs).
• Advanced proficiency in Python and/or C++.
• Familiarity with engineering simulation software suites (e.g., Ansys Twin Builder, Siemens Simcenter, MATLAB/Simulink, OpenFOAM).
• Experience with time-series data, IoT streams, and containerization for model deployment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate, and validate ROMs from complex simulations to accelerate computation speed.
• Design and implement hybrid digital twins combining physical models with ML.
• Ingest and utilize high-frequency telemetry data to update models.
• Package and deploy ROMs into production, cloud, or edge environments.
• Collaborate with engineers and data teams to integrate digital twin frameworks.
• Conduct validation, regression testing, and data-driven verification.

Skills

Python

C++

Machine Learning

Data Science

Communication

Leadership

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering / related field

Tools

Ansys Twin Builder

Siemens Simcenter

MATLAB/Simulink

OpenFOAM

Docker/Kubernetes

Job description

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

Staff Development Engineer IV - Engineering Data Scientist & Digital Twin Specialist- Plymouth, MN - Hybrid

Daikin Applied is seeking an Engineering Data Scientist & Digital Twin Specialist with a strong focus on Reduced Order Modeling (ROM). In this role, you will bridge the gap between high-fidelity 3D physically-based (FEA/CFD), 1D system performance simulations, lab, and real-time operational data. You will build, validate, and deploy fast-running surrogate models and hybrid digital twins that power predictive maintenance, real-time edge analytics, and automated design optimization for our physical assets and systems.

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:

• Reduced Order Modeling (ROM): Develop, calibrate, and validate ROMs from complex 3D/multiphysics simulations (e.g., thermal, structural, fluid dynamics) to accelerate computation speeds by orders of magnitude without losing fidelity.
• Hybrid Digital Twin Development: Design and implement hybrid digital twins that combine first-principles physical models with machine learning/AI (physics-informed neural networks, surrogate modeling) to mirror real-world asset behavior.
• Data Integration & Pipelines: Ingest, clean, and utilize high-frequency time-series telemetry and IoT sensor data from physical machinery/assets to continuously update and retrain digital models.
• Deployment & Scaling: Package and deploy ROMs into production environments, cloud platforms, or real-time edge devices using platforms like Ansys Twin Builder, Siemens Simcenter, or custom Python/C++ frameworks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work tightly with domain engineers, software developers, and data engineers to integrate digital twin frameworks into broader enterprise architectures and PLM.
• Model Validation: Conduct rigorous regression testing, scenario analysis, and test-data correlation to ensure numerical stability and accuracy against physical counterparts.

Your Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or a related technical discipline
• 6+ years of industry/research experience in applied machine learning, scientific computing, or physics-based simulation
• Proven track record of building and deploying Reduced Order Models (ROMs) (e.g., Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD), or machine learning surrogates like Gaussian Processes and neural networks)
• Advanced proficiency in Python (NumPy, PyTorch/TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) and/or C++
• Familiarity with engineering simulation software suites (e.g., Ansys Twin Builder, Siemens Simcenter, MATLAB/Simulink, or OpenFOAM/FEA tools)
• Experience with time-series databases, IoT data streams (MQTT, OPC UA), and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) for model deployment
• Strong understanding of physical principles (dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, structures, or fluid mechanics) alongside statistical modeling and machine learning
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical project teams and mentor engineers
• Knowledge of systems engineering and architecture principles
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive collaboration in a cross-functional, globally distributed environment
• Understanding of model reuse, simulation governance, and lifecycle management concepts
• Track record of leading cross-disciplinary simulation initiatives or shaping organizational modeling strategy

Your Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with MiL and HiL simulation workflows
• Experience with machine learning, data analytics, or AI-assisted modeling and automation
• Background in experimental data acquisition and validation of simulation models using test data
• Experience with physics-informed machine learning (PINMs) or geometric deep learning
• Exposure to industrial IoT platforms or 3D real-time visualization frameworks (NVIDIA Omniverse, Unity/Unreal)
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies
• Deep understanding of thermodynamic cycle modeling, HVAC&R systems, fluid mechanics, heat transfer fundamentals, oil circulation effects, and both steady-state and dynamic system behavior
• Extensive experience developing, calibrating, and troubleshooting complex model libraries, parameter databases, and calibration routines

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$109,100 - $118,700 plus a 15% 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!