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Applied Mechanics Leader – Plymouth, MN - Hybrid

Daikin Applied is seeking an Applied Mechanics Leader who will own the mechanical analysis, simulation, and testing capability that turns product requirements into robust, manufacturable designs.

This role will lead a team of analysts and engineers applying structural, thermal, dynamic, and multiphysics methods to reduce risk early, shorten development cycles, and solve hard technical problems. You will act as the technical authority on applied mechanics (structures, fluid flow, and acoustics) across programs and as a partner to design, materials, manufacturing, and test teams.

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:

• Technical Leadership: Set the technical direction for applied mechanics engineering (structures, fluid flow, and acoustics), including analysis and simulation methods, tools, standards, and best practices. Serve as the escalation point for complex problems in structural integrity, fatigue and fracture, vibration, thermal-mechanical behavior, fluid flow, and failure analysis. Review and approve analysis plans, models, and results for critical programs. Drive correlation between simulation and physical test data to build confidence in predictive models.
• Team management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of model-based engineers. Hire, set goals, conduct performance reviews, and build a pipeline of technical talent. Allocate resources across concurrent programs and balance workload against priorities. Foster a culture of rigor, curiosity, and knowledge sharing.
• Program and cross-functional collaboration: Embed analysis early in design so decisions are made with quantitative insight, not after the fact. Partner with design, materials, manufacturing, quality, and test engineering to resolve design-for-manufacturing and reliability issues. Communicate technical findings, risks, and trade-offs clearly to engineering leadership, program managers, and customers. Support design reviews, root cause investigations, and corrective action processes.
• Capability building: Evaluate and introduce new simulation tools, automation, and workflows (e.g., parametric studies, optimization, reduced-order models). Establish validation and verification practices, documentation standards, and model governance. Build test capability in collaboration with lab and test groups. Manage budgets for software licenses, test equipment, and external consultants.

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical analysis or applied mechanics, with 3+ years leading technical teams or programs
• Deep expertise in finite element analysis (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, or LS-DYNA) and a strong grasp of solid mechanics, dynamics, and materials behavior
• Experience with fatigue, fracture, or durability analysis and physical test correlation
• Previous experience in managing and leading CFD, thermal analysis, and multi-physics coupled analysis
• Deep expertise in acoustic theory, noise mitigation, and acoustic simulation methods such as boundary elements, statistical element analysis, as well as acoustic test methods
• Proven ability to translate complex technical results into clear recommendations for decision-makers
• Strong leadership, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.

Your Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or a related field
• Experience in refrigeration systems
• Scripting and automation skills (Python, MATLAB) for pre/post-processing and workflow development
• Knowledge of relevant standards and certification processes (e.g., ASME, ASTM, ASHRAE, ISO)
• Experience with composites, additive manufacturing, or advanced materials
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent
• Exposure to machine learning or data-driven methods applied to engineering problems

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 $126,100 - $221,900 plus a 25% 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.

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements, including verification of employment history, education, background screening, and drug testing where permitted by law. Safety-sensitive positions may require cannabis (marijuana) testing. All testing and employment decisions will comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.