Graduate Engineering Intern – Building Controls Modeling & Simulation

About the role#

Daikin Applied is seeking a graduate engineering student for a 10-month, full-time internship focused on building controls modeling and simulation. This project serves as a proof of concept to demonstrate how physics-based building models can evaluate the transient behavior, robustness, and performance of building automation strategies. The role involves developing modular, parameterizable models in Modelica/Dymola and integrating them into MATLAB/Simulink environments to support future engineering and decision-support tools.

What you'll do#

• Develop a generic, modular, and parameterizable building model in Modelica/Dymola for various building archetypes and HVAC configurations.
• Leverage and extend existing resources, such as the Berkeley National Laboratory Modelica Buildings Library.
• Implement and evaluate building automation and control strategies within a dynamic simulation framework.
• Export and integrate models as Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs) for use in MATLAB/Simulink Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) simulations.
• Demonstrate system performance under disturbances, parameter variation, and uncertainty.
• Optimize model structure and solver settings to enable faster-than-real-time simulation performance.
• Collaborate with engineering stakeholders to define project scope and document model architecture and validation results.
• Explore the integration of AI/ML techniques, such as surrogate modeling or optimization, to enhance scalability.

What you'll need#

• Currently enrolled M.S. or Ph.D. student in Mechanical, Electrical, Architectural, or Controls Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Academic or research focus in building automation, building energy modeling, HVAC systems, or advanced control methods.
• Experience with Modelica and Dymola or equivalent equation-based physical modeling tools.
• Strong foundation in dynamic systems, control theory, and numerical simulation.
• Experience using MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, or control development.
• Proficiency in technical programming or scripting (MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Ability to work independently on deliverables-driven projects.
• Preferred: Familiarity with the FMI/FMU standard, building automation system (BAS) architectures, and exposure to MiL, SiL, or real-time simulation workflows.

Location & details#

• Location: Plymouth, Minnesota.
• Modality: Hybrid.
• Duration: 10 months, starting between May and June 2026, ending in December 2026.
• Compensation: $30.00 – $33.00 per hour.
• Benefits: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K with employer match, paid time off, company holidays, paid sick time, and tuition reimbursement after six months of service.