Electrical Engineer (51504)

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, DeepCoolAI, and EcoChillers. 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 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.

Key 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.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Required:

• 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.

Preferred:

• 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.

Key Competencies:

• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and organizational skills, including disciplined revision control of drawings and BOMs.

• Hands-on, systematic troubleshooting approach across power, control, and refrigeration circuits, with a drive to keep learning.

• Ability to work collaboratively across mechanical, thermal/airflow, refrigeration, controls, manufacturing, and supply chain functions.

• Design-for-manufacturability mindset, producing electrical designs that are buildable, serviceable, and repeatable in a production environment.

• Commitment to safety and code compliance in design, build, and test activities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver quality work on fast-paced NPD timelines.

• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain electrical design decisions to non-electrical engineers, manufacturing technicians, and suppliers.

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 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.