CFD Product Development Engineer IV - Daikin Applied

CFD Development Engineer IV – Plymouth, MN- Hybrid



Make your mark at the world’s largest HVAC company

Daikin Applied is seeking an experienced and innovative CFD Development Engineer IV to act as the Functional Leader of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) group within our Model-Based Engineering (MBE) organization. This role combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring the strategic development and application of CFD methodologies to support decision-making, product development, and system optimization in the applied commercial HVAC business.

As the CFD Functional Leader, you will oversee the team’s contributions to organizational goals, ensure technical excellence, and align CFD initiatives with broader MBE and business objectives. This individual reports directly to the Director of Model-Based Engineering within the Central Engineering Organization and collaborates across Business Unit teams to drive technical innovation, streamline simulation processes, and enhance the organization’s CFD capabilities. Come be a part of an exciting journey at Daikin Applied, where innovation and excellence drive our every endeavor!



Location: Plymouth, MN - Hybrid



What you will do:


* Lead the CFD group in advancing simulation capabilities, focusing on fluid flow and heat transfer analysis for commercial HVAC systems
* Drive virtual product development by leveraging CFD tools to reduce time-to-market for HVAC products through virtual verification and validation
* Develop and implement strategies to improve model correlation with physical testing, ensuring robustness and accuracy in simulations
* Innovate and optimize simulation processes using advanced numerical methods, algorithm enhancements, and emerging technologies such as machine learning and AI
* Identify and address opportunities within business units that enhance HVAC product performance and energy efficiency
* Oversee the quality and accuracy of CFD work output, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with functional and organizational objectives
* Provide technical guidance to team members, ensuring adherence to best practices within CFD
* Develop and maintain standard work documentation for the CFD functional area
* Collaborate with project teams to define CFD requirements, objectives, and deliverables
* Serve as the primary point of contact for CFD-related inquiries and initiatives within the organization
* Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with CFD practitioners to mentor, train, and support their technical and career development
* Provide performance feedback and skill assessments to direct line managers of CFD team members
* Create and maintain an annual CFD capability development roadmap in alignment with organizational goals
* Act as a liaison between the central engineering organization and technology development centers (ADC and TIC) to ensure alignment and knowledge transfer
* Establish partnerships with leading academic institutions and research organizations to foster R&D collaboration and advance CFD technologies
* Collaborate with functional and direct line managers to assign tasks, set priorities, and provide subject-matter expertise as needed

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:


* Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with a strong focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics
* Proven experience leading CFD projects and geographically distributed teams, with a demonstrated track record of delivering impactful results
* Extensive knowledge of CFD principles, simulation methodologies, and software tools such as Ansys Fluent
* Strong analytical skills in thermodynamic systems, energy efficiency, and heat transfer optimization particularly with commercial HVAC equipment
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience building partnerships with academic institutions and industry collaborators.
* Demonstrated ability to manage research initiatives and drive the implementation of new technologies within engineering teams.
* Forward-thinking mindset and proven ability as a change agent, with strong problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:


* Familiarity with Agile development practices, advanced simulation tools and emerging technologies, including neural networks and machine learning applications in CFD

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 contributions matching 100% of the first 3% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 2% of employee contributions
* Company provided life insurance optional employee paid voluntary life insurance, dependent life coverage and voluntary accident coverage
* Short term and long term disability
* 3 weeks of paid time off for new employees 11 company paid holidays
* Vacation accrues on a monthly basis, unless applicable federal, state and local law requires a faster accrual
* Paid sick time in accordance of the federal, state and local law
* Paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service

The typical annual base salary for this position ranges from $105,900 to $177,900 ( 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.

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