Sr Controls Engineer - Heat Rejection (51580)

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 Senior Controls Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, integrating, and programming advanced control systems for chillers, heat rejection equipment, and related products. This role requires deep expertise in control system architecture, hardware selection, and software programming, along with experience leading cross-functional teams. The Senior Controls Engineer will drive technical strategy, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, sales, and business functions to ensure successful execution of complex projects. The position bridges high-level strategy and hands-on implementation, ensuring innovative, reliable, and efficient control solutions for mission-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and integrate control systems for chillers and heat rejection equipment, including dry coolers, adiabatic coolers, cooling towers, and condensers.
• Develop control system architectures for new machines, including hardware selection (HMIs, sensors, VFDs, actuators, etc.) and software programming logic.
• Program control logic and sequences of operation (e.g., compressor staging, fan and pump speed control, free-cooling changeover, adiabatic/spray control, and lead-lag staging) to meet customer requirements, specifications, and standards.
• Conduct thorough testing of control systems on test benches, prototype chillers, or heat rejection units to identify and resolve issues including troubleshooting and debugging.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, product development, sales, and customer support, to deliver effective control solutions.
• Develop and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including control system drawings, wiring diagrams, and system specifications.
• Ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer specifications.
• Maintain and improve internal processes to enhance product quality and efficiency.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies, incorporating them into product designs.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in control systems engineering, preferably with OEM products.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and developing detailed electrical schematics using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD and Visio.
• Proven ability to develop and implement control algorithms for PC, PLC, and HMI platforms using vendor-specific software and in compliance with industry standards.
• Experience with control communication protocols, including Modbus TCP/RTU, BACnet, and Ethernet/IP.
• Demonstrated capability to perform three phase power and arc flash calculations, determining SCCR and componentry for 480VAC enclosures, power transformers, panelboards and switchgear.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to resolve complex system issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and customers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Familiarity with chiller and heat rejection controls, data center applications, electrical codes, and safety standards.
• Background knowledge with Distech control systems.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and technical skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams.
• Innovative approach to solving chiller and heat rejection challenges.
• Strategic leadership and mentorship abilities.

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.