Applications Engineer

Job Details: Level: Experienced, Job Location: Maple Grove Office

• Maple Grove, MN, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $85000.00 - $110000.00Salary/year, 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, Deep. CoolAI, and Eco. Chillers. 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 Application Engineer (AE) supports Gradian by providing technical expertise beginning at project qualification and continuing through the pre-order and early post-order phases of a project. This role focuses on system application, product selection, technical problem-solving, and coordination across sales, engineering, drafting, manufacturing, and vendors.

The AE ensures that customer requirements, codes, and performance expectations are translated into accurate, manufacturable, and competitive HVAC solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Application Engineering & Product Selection Review project requirements, specifications, and customer needs to determine appropriate HVAC system application and product selection. Perform technical evaluations to ensure selected equipment meets performance, code, and constructability requirements. Identify risks, gaps, and deviations in specifications and proactively propose technical solutions.

Support development and application of non-standard or configurable products in coordination with engineering and manufacturing. Technical Proposals & Submittals Prepare technical portions of proposals, including equipment selection data, narratives, and compliance documentation. Develop, review, and submit technical submittals, drawings, and data packages per project requirements.

Manage submittal review cycles, incorporating comments and coordinating revisions with internal teams and vendors. Ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and consistency across all customer-facing documentation. Cross-Functional Coordination Act as the primary technical liaison between sales, application, production engineering, drafting, manufacturing, and vendors during pre-order and job release phases.

Own the technical scope once a project is qualified, including review of application, technical complexity, risks, and execution readiness. Facilitate technical handoff to production engineering following order entry, ensuring clarity of design intent and application requirements. Customer & Vendor Technical Support Respond to technical inquiries from customers and outside sales regarding system application, performance, and compliance.

Coordinate with vendors to obtain and validate technical data, selections, and lead times. Participate in technical discussions with customers, contractors, and consultants as needed. Continuous Improvement & Standards Support development and maintenance of application standards, selection guidelines, and technical documentation.

Provide feedback to engineering and product teams on recurring application challenges and improvement opportunities. Assist with training and knowledge sharing related to product application and system design.

Qualifications

& Requirements: Required: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field. 1–5 years of experience in application engineering, systems engineering, or technical HVAC roles (HVAC industry experience strongly preferred). Strong understanding of HVAC systems, equipment selection, and ability to interpret drawings and specifications.

Proficient in AutoCAD; experience reviewing or coordinating technical drawings. Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with CRM or ERP systems is a plus. Strong written and verbal communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Key Competencies: HVAC system application and technical judgment Analytical problem-solving and critical thinking Cross-functional collaboration and coordination Technical ownership and attention to detail Ability to manage multiple projects in parallel Customer-focused mindset with an engineering-driven approach 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.

Qualifications: