Applications Engineer (51352)

Gradian is an engineering-led, full-line thermal solutions partner serving data center and other mission-critical, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Maple Grove, MN, with additional facilities across North America, we design and manufacture liquid cooling systems, air handling equipment, heat rejection units, and modular, factory-assembled thermal management solutions.

Gradian was founded through the unification of four complementary, established brands: MAS HVAC, Daedex, DeepCoolAI, and EcoChillers. Together, we act as a single-source provider, deploying cooling technologies as scalable systems optimized for efficiency, spatial constraints, and overall performance. With a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing model, we pair rapid design turnaround with precision fabrication, so customers can move faster on complex projects where reliability, timeline, and quality all matter.

Why work here

At Gradian, you'll work alongside others who get genuinely fired up by complex problems, see your work go from first sketch to job site in weeks, not years, and know that while we're developing the technologies critical for AI infrastructure to scale, our culture remains people-first by design.

It is core to our identity that we operate as one team — driving to win together, energizing others, and building lasting relationships that make the work fun and rewarding.

Position Summary:

The Applications Engineer is responsible for supporting the selection, application, design, and technical development of chilled water and heat transfer solutions for chilled water system. This role serves as the technical bridge between customers, sales, engineering, and manufacturing teams to deliver optimized solutions that meet performance requirements, reliable operation, economical solutions.

The Mechanical Engineer candidate should have a strong foundations in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, & refrigeration along with practical experience in chilled water systems and HVAC applications. This individual thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, enjoys solving complex customer challenges, and effectively collaborates across multiple functions to support business growth and customer success.

This position is primarily remote, with preference given to candidates located in the Minneapolis metropolitan area, and requires up to 25% travel to customer sites, representative offices, manufacturing facilities, and industry events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate customer specifications, drawings, and project requirements to recommend optimal chilled water and HVAC solutions.
• Develop equipment selections, sizing calculations, and technical proposals.
• Support sales representatives and customers with application guidance and technical expertise.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure proposed solutions are manufacturable and cost-effective.
• Prepare submittals, performance documentation, and technical reports.
• Assist with commissioning support, troubleshooting, and field issue resolution.
• Provide technical training to customers, representatives, and internal personnel.
• Support new product development efforts through customer feedback and market insights.
• Participate in customer meetings, site visits, and industry events.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, standards, and emerging technologies within HVAC and chilled water markets.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in HVAC or industrial process cooling markets with emphasis on chilled water applications.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Thermodynamics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Refrigeration & Chillers
  • Hydronic and chilled water systems
• Experience interpreting customer requirements and developing engineered solutions.
• Ability to perform thermal, hydraulic, and system performance calculations.
• Experience reviewing mechanical drawings, specifications, and project documents.
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to present solutions to customers, representatives, and internal teams.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, Autocad lite or Bluebeam, adobe acrobat and engineering calculation tools.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25%.

Preferred:

• Experience with custom HVAC equipment, chillers, heat exchangers, fluid coolers, or applied cooling systems.
• Working knowledge of CFD, heat transfer analysis, or system modeling software.
• Experience in the Data Center market
• Familiarity with AHRI, ASHRAE, and HVAC industry standards.
• Experience supporting sales teams through equipment selection and application engineering.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and engineered-to-order products.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area residency preferred, but not required

Key Competencies:

• Strong technical aptitude in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, & refrigeration.
• Customer-focused problem-solving approach.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork.
• Initiative and ownership of technical projects and customer support activities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to engineering excellence.
• Adaptability and flexibility in responding to changing customer and business needs.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Group term life insurance coverage
• HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care plans available
• 8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, and generous PTO policy
• 401k matching
• Company paid events
• Annual safety shoe allowance
• Education assistance program

EEO Statement:

Gradian is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status.

Employment decisions at Gradian are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and actively promote a culture of fairness, equity, and opportunity.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable laws.