Full-Time
Director, Digital Foundry
Daikin Applied
1,001-5,000 employees
HVAC solutions delivering energy-efficient air quality
Compensation Overview
$142.6k - $250.9k/yr
No H1B Sponsorship
Plymouth, MN, USA + 1 more
More locations: Denver, CO, USA
Hybrid
The role is hybrid or remote; the posting also lists Denver, Colorado in the ATS locations.
Bachelor's, Master's
 Software Engineering (1) |
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- A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 10 years of experience in software engineering, application development, SaaS platform delivery, digital product engineering, or related technical leadership roles.
- At least 5 years leading teams, managers, vendors, or cross-functional engineering delivery.
- Knowledge of modern software engineering practices, including application architecture, front-end and back-end development, APIs, integrations, data flows, and cloud-based solution patterns.
- Knowledge of SaaS platform delivery models and development or configuration practices for enterprise platforms such as Salesforce and IFS or comparable platforms.
- Skill in leading software engineering teams, managers, contractors, vendors, and cross-functional delivery partners to execute complex digital initiatives.
- Skill in establishing engineering standards, DevOps and DevSecOps practices, continuous integration and continuous delivery approaches, release governance, and lifecycle-based delivery controls.
- Ability to translate business priorities into engineering plans, capacity models, delivery roadmaps, trade-off decisions, and measurable outcomes.
- Ability to collaborate across Product, Architecture, Quality Assurance, Cybersecurity, Integration, Infrastructure, Data, Operations, and business leadership stakeholders.
- Ability to manage portfolio-level risks, dependencies, delivery commitments, resource constraints, and executive communications in a dynamic environment.
- Knowledge of quality, security, reliability, performance, scalability, maintainability, and operational readiness practices for enterprise software solutions.
- Skill in defining and using delivery metrics, engineering key performance indicators, dashboards, and value reporting to improve predictability and decision-making.
- Ability to lead change, build trust, develop talent, strengthen engineering culture, and drive continuous improvement across distributed teams.
- Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Lead the Digital Foundry function, with accountability for software engineering delivery, execution discipline, team performance, and business outcomes.
- Oversee teams delivering custom software, enterprise platform extensions, integrations, APIs, and digital capabilities that support strategic business priorities.
- Establish and continuously improve engineering standards, delivery practices, governance, and operating rhythms aligned with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, quality assurance, and Digital Delivery Lifecycle expectations.
- Contribute to the Technology Innovation operating model, operating system, and innovation processes to improve prioritization, predictability, transparency, and value realization.
- Build, develop, and lead high-performing engineering teams, managers, contractors, vendors, and strategic partners; strengthen engineering culture, accountability, and talent development.
- Partner across Product, Architecture, Quality Assurance, Cybersecurity, Integration, Data, Infrastructure, SaaS Platform, and business leadership to deliver integrated, scalable, and extensible solutions.
- Collaborate with leaders responsible for Salesforce, IFS, and other enterprise platforms to ensure effective software engineering delivery, platform extensibility, and lifecycle-based improvements.
- Define and use engineering metrics, operational reporting, and value measures to improve visibility into capacity, delivery performance, quality, reliability, risk, and business impact.
- Drive modernization, technical debt reduction, platform evolution, automation, and engineering productivity improvements across the Digital Foundry portfolio.
- Champion modern engineering practices, including DevOps, DevSecOps, continuous integration and continuous delivery, automated testing, observability, platform engineering, and AI-assisted software development.
- Communicate engineering strategy, priorities, risks, dependencies, trade-offs, and delivery outcomes to executive leadership and stakeholders.
- A master's degree in a technical, engineering, business, or technology management discipline.
- At least 12 years of experience leading enterprise-scale software engineering organizations, modernization programs, SaaS platform enablement, and product-aligned delivery models in a matrixed environment.
- Experience with Salesforce, IFS, enterprise resource planning, product lifecycle management, customer relationship management, or other enterprise SaaS/application ecosystems.
- Experience with Azure, Azure DevOps, GitHub, GitHub Copilot, automated testing, infrastructure as code, observability, and release automation.
- Experience applying AI-enabled development, developer experience, platform engineering, or internal software factory concepts to improve engineering throughput and quality.
- Experience in manufacturing, industrial products, HVAC, building automation, connected products, or customer-facing digital solutions.
- Experience modernizing legacy applications and moving teams toward product-aligned, lifecycle-driven delivery models.
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 on $30M Solutions and Technical Institute to support future HVAC workforce. June 18, 2026 Daikin Applied, a global leader in commercial and industrial HVAC solutions, has broken ground on a $30 million Solutions and 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 point to 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, manufacturing operations, data centers and other mission-critical indoor environments. "The demands placed on our industry are evolving rapidly and workforce capability has become a true differentiator," said Yu Nishiwaki, Chief Operating Officer for Daikin Applied. "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." "Our customers expect systems expertise and strong execution," said James Moe, executive vice president of sales, service and solutions at Daikin Applied. "This investment will help ensure we continue to deliver on both." Bringing Hands-On Training to Scale With the goal of providing an immersive learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction, the Daikin Applied Solutions & Technical Institute is expected to open in 2027. Designed as a centralized hub for technical, engineering, sales, leadership and customer training, the facility will help employees, partners and customers develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly advancing HVAC industry: * Hands-On Experience: More than 50 fully functional Daikin HVAC units that enable real-world troubleshooting and system-level learning. * Next-Generation Curriculum: Up to 120 training pathways focused on advanced controls, diagnostics, system optimization and sustainable technologies. * Global Expertise, Delivered Digitally: A state-of-the-art digital studio extending training access to teams, customers and partners around the world. * Purpose-Built Learning Environment: Nine classrooms and six breakout spaces supporting 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 investment complements Daikin Applied's $163 million state-of-the-art research and development test lab in Plymouth, Minnesota. Slated 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 Solutions & Technical Institute will serve as a cornerstone of Daikin Applied's long-term strategy to build talent, strengthen capabilities and support customers in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving environment.