Senior Development Engineer - Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Engineer

Make your mark at the world’s largest HVAC company

Daikin Applied is seeking a Senior Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Development Engineer. The Senior FEA Development Engineer will spearhead the development and implementation of advanced simulation methodologies to support the design and optimization of commercial HVAC products. This position requires a robust background in structural and solid mechanics, with specialized expertise in both heavy welded structures and lightweight sheet metal assemblies. 

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in analyzing structural load conditions and a deep understanding of failure mechanisms, including static, dynamic, and fatigue-related failures. A strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability (DFM) is essential, along with proficiency in FEA tools such as ANSYS. This role also involves mentoring fellow FEA engineers and fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture. The Sr. FEA Development Engineer will promote open technical dialogue, strengthen team cohesion, and actively support the professional development of team members. 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 and mentor the structural simulation team by providing expert technical guidance in simulation methodologies, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment with best practices in digital modeling and structural analysis
• Identify simulation gaps in the structural design process and develop simulation methodologies to speed up product development
• Maintain and develop standardized modeling practices, templates, and libraries for structural simulations
• Create HVAC system simulation models by cleaning 3D geometries, generating meshes, and applying boundary and initial conditions, following established procedures or innovating new methodologies in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Perform detailed FEA simulations to evaluate the structural integrity and performance of HVAC components and systems
• Analyze results to identify potential failure modes and recommend design improvements
• Generate detailed technical reports and presentations summarizing simulation results, design recommendations, and risk assessments
• Support product development through simulation-driven design, validation, and optimization
• Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure robust and manufacturable solutions
• Assist in establishing structural test plans and collaborate with internal test labs to support experimental data collection for model validation
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and applicable regulatory standards in all analyses and design recommendations

What’s in it for you:

• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, PTO, 401K match, support for community involvement and much more
• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in FEA
• Proficiency with leading FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, Hypermesh and Python Scripting
• Strong expertise in NVH simulation techniques, including modal analysis, frequency response, acoustic analysis, and vibration isolation
• In-depth understanding of mechanical design principles, materials behavior, and fatigue analysis
• Experience correlating simulation results to physical testing data and refining models for accuracy
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting technical content to both engineering and non-engineering audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and report