Senior Applications Engineer (51232)

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 Senior Applications Engineer will support the design, application, and implementation of Direct Exchange (DX) geothermal and thermal energy solutions. This role serves as the technical liaison between customers, sales, engineering, and operations to develop innovative and cost-effective heating and cooling solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

The successful candidate will leverage engineering expertise to evaluate customer requirements, perform system design and sizing, prepare technical proposals, and support projects from concept through commissioning. This position requires strong HVAC and heat transfer knowledge, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences. There is a potential for 5-10% travel requirements in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Application Engineering

• Design and configure DX geothermal and thermal energy systems based on project requirements.
• Perform heating and cooling load calculations, energy analyses, and equipment sizing.
• Evaluate site conditions and application requirements to recommend optimal system configurations.
• Develop piping layouts, system schematics, installation details, and engineering documentation.
• Review project specifications, drawings, and bid documents to ensure technical compliance.

Technical Sales Support

• Provide technical expertise during customer meetings, sales presentations, and project discussions.
• Prepare technical proposals, project budgets, bills of material, and equipment selections.
• Assist customers, contractors, engineers, and distributors with product application questions.
• Support development of technical marketing materials and product documentation.

Project Execution

• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and installation teams throughout project implementation.
• Provide technical support during installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
• Identify and resolve technical issues affecting project performance and customer satisfaction.
• Participate in field visits and site inspections as required.

Product & Process Improvement

• Analyze system performance data and recommend design improvements.
• Assist in developing engineering standards, application guidelines, and best practices.
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends, energy efficiency technologies, and geothermal applications.

Training & Customer Support

• Conduct technical training for customers, contractors, distributors, and internal personnel.
• Develop user guides, application notes, and installation documentation.
• Respond to technical inquiries and support warranty investigations when necessary.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Required:

• Mechanical Engineering Degree
• 5+ years of experience in commercial air handling industry sales and/or design
• 2D CAD and Microsoft Word/Excel
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

Key Competencies:

• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments
• Problem solving, resourcefulness, multi-tasking skills
• Positive attitude and team-focused mentality

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.