Principal Engineering Designer

Join the world's largest HVAC company, named by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2025!

Principal Designers will use computer-based tools to design parts and assemblies, create production drawings, and manage BOMs for small, medium, or large projects. They will also develop or modify product designs from conception to finished manufacturing documentation, ensuring quality, manufacturability, functionality, serviceability, and cost are considered. The Principal Designer works at a higher level across products or platforms and is heavily involved in standardizing design and business processes and methods, providing leadership to design and managing the entire product line for large complex systems.

Location : Staunton, VA - Hybrid, or Plymouth, MN - Hybrid

Your Responsibilities :

Create engineering documentation , including Solidworks , modeling, fabrication, and purchase drawings that conform to Daikin standards

Translate engineering/marketing intent into manufacturing documentation

Exhibit a sense of design and mechanical aptitude with abstract thinking and reasoning skills

Complete work assignments within determined time frame and use judgment in determining assignment goals

Be part of and function in a team e nvironment including cross functional and inter-departmenta l teams

Demonstrate an understanding of legacy bill of material systems and product structuring logic

Demonstrate creative ability, accuracy, and cost effectiveness

Work with Marketing/Sales to provide documentation for original designs or custom modifications of current products to meet weekly production schedules

Develop BOM selection logic that can drive auto generated Item and BOM creation

Participate in or lead special team projects

Give work direction to Designers and train other Designers to perform work

Collaborate with Engineering and MFG on developing the product, Helping to transfer product knowledge to operations

Provide over sight with the product engineer on solution development, ensuring a nd functionality are met

Providing problem solving skills and communicating corrective actions

Understand the systems and method used to transfer engineering documentation to operation in a smooth and consistent way

Your Qualifications :

Vocational or Technical Degree in Design/Drafting or Equivalent Experience

Associates Degree + 15 years of related design experience or BS in Engineering + 12 years design experience

Understanding of AMSE Y14.5 Desing and drafting standards Advance Understanding

Strong Communication skills - Written and verbal

Experience with Excel - moderate to high level (preferred)

Solidworks Mechanical Basic Understanding

Draft Sight Basic Understanding

Flexible to travel 10 to 15%

Solidworks electrical (Optional Skill)

"Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment

Manages competing demands

Changes approach or method to best fit the situation

Able to deal with frequent change , delays, or unexpected events. Advance Capability"

"Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction;

Takes responsibility for own actions;

Keeps commitments;

Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals;

Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan."

Demonstrated people leadership skills with the ability to empower others to grow and deliver results Advance Capability

"Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner

Gathers and analyzes information skillfully

Develops alternative solutions

Works well in group problem solving situations

Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics."

"Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality

Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Basic Capability"

Lean Methodologies applied to everyday activities -- Providing continual improvement practices

(Yellow Belt or equivalent)

Solid knowledge of data systems architecture and applications to facilitate cross - functional communication to achieve targeted outcomes.

"Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions;

Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions;

Includes appropriate people in decision-making process;

Makes timely decisions."

"Initiative - Takes independent actions and calculated risks;

Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities;

Asks for and offers help when needed.

Your Benefits:

Daikin Applied offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

Multiple medical insurance plan options + dental and vision insurance

401K retirement plan with employer match

Paid time off and company-paid holidays

Paid sick time in accordance with the federal, state and local law

Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position

The typical annual base salary for this position ranges from $ 73,300 - $120,700 USD in VA and MN . The range displayed represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade in which this position falls. Individual base pay will depend on a wide range of factors , including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

If you're looking for an engaging career with growth opportunities in a supportive environment, you'll love a career at Daikin Applied!