Principal Development Engineer V - Engineering Data Scientist and Digital Twin Specialist

Join the world's largest HVAC company, named by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2025!

Principal Development Engineer V – Engineering Data Scientist & Digital Twin Specialist– Plymouth, MN - Hybrid

Daikin Applied is seeking a Principal Engineering Data Scientist & Digital Twin Specialist with a strong focus on Reduced Order Modeling (ROM). In this role, you will bridge the gap between high-fidelity 3D physic-based (FEA/CFD), 1D system performance simulations, lab, and real-time operational data. You will build, validate, and deploy fast-running surrogate models and hybrid digital twins that power predictive maintenance, real-time edge analytics, and automated design optimization for our physical assets and systems.

Come be a part of an exciting journey at Daikin Applied, where innovation and excellence drive our every endeavor!

Location: Hybrid - Plymouth, MN

Your Responsibilities:

• Reduced Order Modeling (ROM): Develop, calibrate, and validate ROMs from complex 3D/multiphysics simulations (e.g., thermal, structural, fluid dynamics) to accelerate computation speeds by orders of magnitude without losing fidelity.
• Hybrid Digital Twin Development: Design and implement hybrid digital twins that combine first-principles physical models with machine learning/AI (physics-informed neural networks, surrogate modeling) to mirror real-world asset behavior.
• Data Integration & Pipelines: Ingest, clean, and utilize high-frequency time-series telemetry and IoT sensor data from physical machinery/assets to continuously update and retrain digital models.
• Deployment & Scaling: Package and deploy ROMs into production environments, cloud platforms, or real-time edge devices using platforms like Ansys Twin Builder, Siemens Simcenter, or custom Python/C++ frameworks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work tightly with domain engineers, software developers, and data engineers to integrate digital twin frameworks into broader enterprise architectures and PLM.
• Model Validation: Conduct rigorous regression testing, scenario analysis, and test-data correlation to ensure numerical stability and accuracy against physical counterparts.

Your Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of industry/research experience in applied machine learning, scientific computing, or physics-based simulation
• Proven track record of building and deploying Reduced Order Models (ROMs) (e.g., Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD), or machine learning surrogates like Gaussian Processes and neural networks)
• Advanced proficiency in Python (NumPy, PyTorch/TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) and/or C++
• Familiarity with engineering simulation software suites (e.g., Ansys Twin Builder, Siemens Simcenter, MATLAB/Simulink, or OpenFOAM/FEA tools)
• Experience with time-series databases, IoT data streams (MQTT, OPC UA), and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) for model deployment
• Strong understanding of physical principles (dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, structures, or fluid mechanics) alongside statistical modeling and machine learning
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical project teams and mentor engineers
• Knowledge of systems engineering and architecture principles
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive collaboration in a cross-functional, globally distributed environment
• Understanding of model reuse, simulation governance, and lifecycle management concepts
• Track record of leading cross-disciplinary simulation initiatives or shaping organizational modeling strategy

Your Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with MiL and HiL simulation workflows
• Experience with machine learning, data analytics, or AI-assisted modeling and automation
• Background in experimental data acquisition and validation of simulation models using test data
• Experience with physics-informed machine learning (PINMs) or geometric deep learning
• Exposure to industrial IoT platforms or 3D real-time visualization frameworks (NVIDIA Omniverse, Unity/Unreal)
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies
• Deep understanding of thermodynamic cycle modeling, HVAC&R systems, fluid mechanics, heat transfer fundamentals, oil circulation effects, and both steady-state and dynamic system behavior
• Extensive experience developing, calibrating, and troubleshooting complex model libraries, parameter databases, and calibration routines

Your Benefits:

Daikin Applied offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: 

• Multiple medical insurance plan options + dental and vision insurance
• 401K retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and company paid holidays
• Paid sick time in accordance with the federal, state and local law
• Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service 

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position

The typical annual base salary for this position ranges from $130,400 - $225,700 plus a 25% bonus in Minnesota.  The range displayed represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade which these positions fall. Individual base pay will depend on a wide range of factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements, including verification of employment history, education, background screening, and drug testing where permitted by law. Safety-sensitive positions may require cannabis (marijuana) testing. All testing and employment decisions will comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.