Electrical Engineer

Gradian Thermal Solutions•Maple Grove, MN

31d•$90,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Electrical Engineer supports the electrical hardware design, integration, and programming of control systems for air cooling equipment, including air handling units, fan arrays, direct expansion (DX) units, and related equipment. This role works under the guidance of senior engineering staff to implement well-defined tasks across controls hardware, controller, display, software, testing, and documentation. Supports new product development (NPD) for air-cooled HVAC OEM equipment, such as air handling units (AHUs), computer room air handlers (CRAHs), DX computer room air conditioners (CRACs), condensing units, and fan walls, used in data center and commercial applications. Contributes to electrical design documentation, component selection support, BOM creation, prototype build support, and verification activities under guidance from senior engineers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or closely related).
3+ years of professional electrical engineering experience, preferably in HVAC, industrial equipment, or OEM manufacturing environments.
Proficiency in electrical CAD software, with AutoCAD Electrical preferred (SOLIDWORKS Electrical or EPLAN also considered).
Understanding of electrical wiring practices per the NEC (NFPA 70), instrumentation signals (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 VDC, digital I/O), and safe work practices (NFPA 70E).
Ability to create and maintain BOMs and communicate clearly in written documentation.
Ability to travel up to 10%, as needed, to other Gradian facilities, supplier sites, and/or project locations for builds, testing, and commissioning support.

Nice To Haves

Experience with control panels, instrumentation/sensors, VFDs, EC fans, fan array systems, or DX refrigeration controls (compressors, condensing units, EEVs).
Exposure to electrical design related to HVAC OEM manufacturing, particularly air handling units, CRAH and DX CRAC units, packaged DX rooftop units, or split/condensing units.
Familiarity with UL 508A control panel requirements and HVAC equipment safety standards (e.g., UL 1995 / UL 60335-2-40), including A2L refrigerant leak detection and mitigation controls.
Experience with HVAC unit controllers or PLCs and building management system (BMS) communication protocols (e.g., BACnet, Modbus).
Experience with three-phase power distribution (208–600 VAC), motor branch-circuit protection, and short-circuit current rating (SCCR) calculations.

Responsibilities

Support electrical design for power distribution, control panels, instrumentation/sensors (temperature, humidity, airflow, differential pressure), damper actuators, refrigerant pressure/temperature sensors and safety switches, electronic expansion valves (EEVs), and VFD/EC fan motor and compressor (fixed-speed and inverter-driven) interfaces within shippable product units.
Create and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts/GA drawings, and cable schedules using AutoCAD (preferred) or similar CAD tools.
Build and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), including part documentation, alternates, and revision updates.
Support prototype and pilot builds: verify wiring, assist with troubleshooting wiring issues, and document corrections.
Contribute to test documentation including FAT/SAT checklists, test procedures (including fan, airflow, and DX refrigeration circuit run testing), and inputs to O&M documentation.
Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, thermal/airflow, refrigeration, and controls teams; maintain clear and detailed engineering documentation.