Mechanical Engineer - Chillers (51409)

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 Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing and developing advanced thermal management solutions for high-performance systems, with a focus on large-scale, complex projects in data center and high-density applications. 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:

• Lead the design and technical development of chilled water and heat transfer solutions for chilled water system for data center and high-density applications.
• Provide technical guidance and consideration for large opportunities to help shape Gradian technology, products and markets.
• Oversee and mentor other engineers, designers, and technical support personnel (both full-time and part-time) to execute sub-projects and achieve overall project goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, sales, and marketing) to ensure seamless product development and maximize contribution margins.
• Perform detailed thermal calculations and simulations to optimize system performance.
• Lead system-level integration of mechanical and thermal components.
• Support testing, validation, and troubleshooting of thermal systems.
• Track project costs, perform cost analysis, and work with accounting and manufacturing to estimate cost per unit at different volume points.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for cooling technologies.
• Act as a liaison between business needs and engineering solutions, ensuring successful execution of complex, large-scale projects.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in thermal system design and analysis.
• Proven experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, & refrigeration
• Strong proficiency in thermal modeling and calculation tools.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex projects and mentoring engineering teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and advanced thermal simulation software.
• Familiarity with data center cooling standards and best practices.
• Experience with cost analysis, manufacturing processes, and business collaboration.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and technical skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams.
• Innovative approach to solving thermal challenges.
• Strategic leadership and mentorship abilities.

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.