Industrial Engineer (51606)

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 Industrial Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and cost performance in a commercial HVAC production environment. This role analyzes processes, labor standards, material flow, and layout to optimize production of HVAC equipment while maintaining quality, safety, and delivery requirements. The Industrial Engineer partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify waste, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
• Lead and support Lean initiatives including Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and 5S
• Implement standardized work to improve consistency, safety, and productivity
• Support continuous improvement projects focused on throughput, labor utilization, and cost reduction

Time Studies & Labor Standards

• Conduct time studies and work measurement analysis
• Establish and maintain labor standards for production and assembly operations
• Support capacity planning and staffing models based on demand and seasonal fluctuations
• Partner with Operations to balance production lines and optimize labor deployment

Layout & Material Flow

• Design and improve plant layouts to optimize material flow and minimize handling
• Support point‑of‑use material strategies and warehouse‑to‑line replenishment
• Evaluate ergonomics and workstation design to improve safety and productivity

Production Support & Performance Metrics

• Analyze production data to identify trends in efficiency, scrap, rework, and downtime
• Develop and maintain KPIs such as labor efficiency, cycle time, takt time, and throughput
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues
• Assist in ramp‑ups, new product introductions (NPI), and process changes

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure process changes align with quality standards and safety requirements
• Support PFMEA, control plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Partner with EHS and Quality teams to drive injury reduction and defect prevention

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Maintenance
• Support engineering change implementation with minimal production disruption
• Provide data‑driven recommendations to leadership

Qualifications & Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (HVAC, heavy equipment, or engineered products preferred)
• Experience supporting assembly lines, fabrication, or configurable products
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysis

Preferred:

• Experience in commercial HVAC or engineered‑to‑order manufacturing
• Knowledge of mixed‑model or low‑to‑medium volume production environments
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or layout/design tools
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Solid knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and work measurement
• Experience with time studies and labor modeling
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with data visualization tools a plus
• Effective communication and change‑management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, hands‑on manufacturing environment

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 Thermal Solutions 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.