Full-Time
Manufacturing Engineer 2
Daikin Applied
1,001-5,000 employees
HVAC solutions delivering energy-efficient air quality
Compensation Overview
$74.2k - $124.3k/yr
No H1B Sponsorship
Staunton, VA, USA
In Person
Bachelor's
 Mechanical Engineering (1) |
|---|
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- A bachelor's degree in industrial technology, industrial manufacturing engineering, or an equivalent technical, scientific, or engineering degree, or equivalent experience.
- Two to four years of experience.
- Participate in continuous improvement and cost reductions by providing support for the management team using manufacturing engineering technical expertise and working collaboratively on manufacturing processes as a team lead or team member.
- Utilize work measurement tools to analyze work samples to develop standards for labor utilization and estimate production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
- Analyze operational data such as workforce utilization, facility layout, and workflow, and apply lean manufacturing principles to optimize equipment and workspace effectiveness, actively participating in and occasionally leading kaizen for continuous improvement.
- Recommend methods for worker effectiveness, safety, and quality while minimizing costs through job duty restrictions, workflow optimization according to PDS principles, and equipment management.
- Collaborate with management to develop work instructions, training checklists, and matrices, and partner with the Safety Manager to enhance safety procedures and ergonomics in manufacturing.
- Facilitate manufacturability in new product development by collaborating with cross-functional design teams, defining production processes, estimating costs, and offering manufacturing support to new product introduction teams, including process failure mode and effects analysis, process flow changes, and tool or fixture designs.
- Provide equipment design specifications, solicit quotes, and recommend equipment purchases for process enhancement.
- Assess capital equipment investment options, provide purchase recommendations, prepare funding requests for small and medium-sized capital projects, and oversee project completion.
- Lead efforts to assure timely and accurate completion of job skill knowledge evaluations for hourly personnel.
- Use lean tools such as root cause analysis, plan-do-check-act, kaizen, and 5S.
- Experience with sheet metal fabrication and assembly using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, including cellular manufacturing and Demand Flow Technology.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD 2D, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and Minitab.
Daikin Applied manufactures and delivers HVAC products and services that improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Its offerings include branded air-conditioning equipment, advanced technology, IoT-enabled systems, and next-generation compressors, sold through a global network of sales, service, and parts offices. The products work by using energy-efficient HVAC equipment and connected controls to regulate climate, monitor performance, and optimize energy use. What sets Daikin Applied apart is its global scale, integration with its Daikin Industries parent and extensive production footprint, and emphasis on IoT-enabled systems combined with high-quality service and parts support. The company’s goal is to provide reliable, efficient, and high-quality indoor air environments by leveraging advanced technology and a comprehensive service network.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Founded
1924
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- June 18, 2026 Institute break ground targets 120 training pathways and customer enablement.
- December 9, 2025 $163 million lab accelerates hyperscale data-center cooling validation for 2027.
- July 2, 2026 leadership shuffle deepens focus on mission-critical environments and growth execution.
What critics are saying
- April 2026 antitrust class action in Michigan names Daikin Applied Americas and seeks damages.
- Integrating Chilldyne and DDC Solutions strains execution if data-center demand slows before 2027.
- Hyperscale cooling becomes existentially crowded as Vertiv, Schneider, and Eaton bundle adjacent infrastructure.
What makes Daikin Applied unique
- 2026 Plymouth investments create in-house data-center cooling R&D and technician training moat.
- 2025 Chilldyne and DDC Solutions build a vertically integrated hyperscale cooling stack.
- Nishiwaki, Moe, and Hirao unify global engineering, sales, and manufacturing under Daikin discipline.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Company provided life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
PTO/vacation
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Remote Work Options
Sabbatical Leave
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Gym Membership
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Parental Leave
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Training Programs
Stock Options
Company Equity
Tuition Reimbursement
Adoption Assistance
Childcare Support
Elder Care Support
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Parental Leave
Relocation Assistance
EmployeeReferral Bonus
Performance Bonus
Company News
Claros Technologies has closed a $55 million Series B funding round to accelerate global commercialisation of its PFAS destruction technology. The round was led by Treehouse Family Capital, with participation from Daikin America, Veralto, Bush Foundation, Nord Asset Management, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. The Minneapolis-based company develops ClarosTechUV, a patented system that permanently destroys PFAS chemicals, and operates ClarosLabs, a mobile laboratory for PFAS analysis. Recent demonstrations showed over 99.99% destruction of PFAS compounds in industrial process water and groundwater remediation applications. The funding will support manufacturing expansion, commercial deployments across North America, Europe, and Asia, and strategic hiring in engineering and operations. Founded in 2018, Claros aims to address growing demand from industrial manufacturers, remediation firms, utilities, and government agencies seeking permanent PFAS destruction solutions amid tightening global regulations.
Daikin Applied announces new top leadership. July 2, 2026 MINNEAPOLIS - Yu Nishiwaki is the new president and CEO of Daikin Applied, while James Moe has been named COO and Hirokazu Hirao has been named chief operating officer of manufacturing. The appointments, which the company says strengthen its operating model as it continues to scale its capabilities to support customers and advance strategic priorities, were effective July 1. "It is an honor to serve as president and CEO of Daikin Applied," said Nishiwaki in a press release. "Having served as COO, I've seen firsthand the talent, dedication, and ingenuity of our people, and that gives me tremendous confidence in what we can accomplish together. From commercial buildings and healthcare facilities to schools, manufacturing operations, and data centers, the demands on today's built environment are rapidly evolving. As we look ahead, we will continue strengthening customer relationships, advancing innovation, and empowering our teams to deliver lasting value for the people and industries we serve." Nishiwaki, who had served as COO since 2023, will now lead the organization in its next phase of growth, the press release said. He brings nearly three decades of experience with Daikin, including roles as general manager for Daikin Air Conditioning Italy and vice president of strategic planning for Daikin Applied Americas. Moe has been instrumental in driving growth and profitability since joining Daikin Applied in 2016, the company said. In his new role, Moe will unite Daikin's air handling, chiller and applied terminal systems business units with his current oversight of sales, service, solutions, and Alliance Air Products. Hirao joins Daikin Applied after more than 37 years with Daikin Industries Ltd., most recently as general manager of the global Applied Solutions division. He brings extensive experience leading manufacturing operations within Daikin, the press release said. The new leadership structure reinforces Daikin Applied's commitment to advancing solutions for mission-critical environments, the press release said. Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, its new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! SPONSORED BY Hi there. I'm Ask ACHR NEWS. You can ask me anything about HVACR trends, news, and insights. Go ahead, type something below, and let's get started! JOIN TODAY To unlock your recommendations. Already have an account? Sign In
Daikin Applied has appointed Yu Nishiwaki as president and chief executive officer, James Moe as chief operating officer, and Hirokazu Hirao as chief operating officer of manufacturing, effective 1 July 2026. Nishiwaki, who served as COO since 2023, brings nearly three decades of Daikin experience and will lead the company's next growth phase aligned with its Fusion30 global vision. Moe will unite the company's Air Handling, Chiller and Applied Terminal Systems business units with sales, service and solutions operations. Hirao joins after 37 years with Daikin Industries, most recently leading the global Applied Solutions Business Division. The restructure supports Daikin Applied's expansion in mission-critical environments, including a $163 million R&D test lab in Plymouth, Minnesota, and strategic acquisitions in liquid cooling technology.
Daikin Applied invests US$30 million in HVAC training facility. USA: Daikin Applied has broken ground on a US$30 million Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, Minnesota, as part of its efforts to address the growing shortage of skilled HVAC professionals. Scheduled to open in 2027, the 64,000-square-foot facility will provide hands-on training using more than 50 fully operational HVAC units and offer up to 120 specialised training programmes covering advanced controls, diagnostics, system optimisation and sustainable technologies. The institute will support the development of technicians, engineers, sales professionals and service personnel while enhancing customer training. The investment complements Daikin Applied's US$163 million research and development test laboratory currently under construction in Minnesota, reinforcing the company's long-term commitment to workforce development and innovation in the commercial and industrial HVAC sector.
Daikin Applied breaks ground for new training center. June 18, 2026 MINNEAPOLIS - Daikin Applied has broken ground on a $30 million Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, Minnesota. From high-efficiency cooling to data center applications, HVAC systems are becoming more advanced, and workforce capability is emerging as a critical differentiator. Recent industry reports forecast a shortage of thousands of HVAC technicians by 2030, highlighting the need for expanded training and hands-on experience. Daikin Applied is investing in the people, expertise, and learning environments needed to support the next generation of HVAC solutions across commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, factories, data centers, and other mission-critical buildings, a company press release said. "The demands placed on our industry are evolving rapidly and workforce capability has become a true differentiator," said Yu Nishiwaki, Daikin Applied COO. "The Daikin Applied Solutions & Technical Institute reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of technical, engineering, service, and sales talent while helping our customers succeed in an increasingly complex environment. We are investing in the people, knowledge, and capabilities that will power the future of our industry." With the goal of providing an immersive learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction, the Solutions & Technical Institute is expected to open in 2027. Its features, according to the press release, will include: - More than 50 fully functional Daikin HVAC units to be used for real-world troubleshooting and system-level learning. - Up to 120 training pathways focused on advanced controls, diagnostics, system optimization, and sustainable technologies. - A state-of-the-art digital studio to extend training access to teams, customers, and partners around the world. Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, its new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS - Nine classrooms and six breakout spaces to support technical, engineering, sales, and leadership development across 64,000 square feet, with the ability to expand by an additional 40,000 square feet. By equipping technicians, engineers, sales professionals, and customer-facing teams with deeper practical knowledge, Daikin Applied is strengthening customer outcomes, accelerating workforce development, and helping close critical skills gaps across the HVAC industry, the press release said. The investment complements Daikin Applied's planned $163 million state-of-the-art research and development test lab in Plymouth, Minnesota. Scheduled to open in 2027, the lab will serve as a premier testing ground for both advanced cooling solutions - including technologies for hyperscale data centers - and the highly skilled engineers and technicians needed to develop them, the press release said. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! SPONSORED BY Hi there. I'm Ask ACHR NEWS. You can ask me anything about HVACR trends, news, and insights. Go ahead, type something below, and let's get started! JOIN TODAY To unlock your recommendations. Already have an account? Sign In