Senior Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the end-to-end development, optimization, and scaling of manufacturing processes for our modular thermal battery storage system. This role is central to transforming prototypes into reliable, cost-efficient products manufactured at scale through outsourced partners.

You will own key manufacturing processes, drive the creation of high-yield, high-quality production methods, and build strong feedback loops between design, manufacturing, and field teams to continuously improve product performance and manufacturability.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role for an engineer who excels in new product introduction (NPI), advanced manufacturing, and building scalable production systems for complex hardware.

What You Will Do (key responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to):  

Manufacturing Process Development & Optimization

• Develop, optimize, and validate the assembly process for the modular thermal battery system from prototype through scaled production.
• Build virtual process models using value stream mapping, process flow software, and simulation tools to evaluate alternative configurations and process scenarios.
• Lead the development of standardized, data-driven production processes using IoT, SPC, and modern manufacturing analytics tools.

Production Readiness & Cross-Functional Integration

• Collaborate closely with design engineering, supplier quality, sourcing, and manufacturing partners to transition designs into robust, scalable production.
• Own Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) guidance, influencing mechanical and thermal subsystem design to enhance quality, cost, and throughput.
• Drive iterative learning from field performance back into product and manufacturing process improvements.

Tooling, Equipment, and Documentation

• Define, procure, and implement tooling, jigs, fixtures, test equipment, and process automation required for reliable, high-yield assembly.
• Develop and maintain build documentation, assembly instructions, PFMEAs, control plans, and supplier qualifications.
• Support packaging, logistics, and pre-commissioning validation through coordination with field deployment teams.

Cost & Schedule Ownership

• Own module-level manufacturing costing—including CAPEX, OPEX, labor, utilities, facilities, scrap, and throughput assumptions.
• Provide inputs to BOM development, installation timelines, and overall project planning.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5–8 years of experience developing manufacturing processes and equipment for new hardware products; experience in startup or high-growth technology environments strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing full-lifecycle equipment or automation projects—including scoping, design, installation, commissioning, and budget oversight.
• Hands-on technical ability with a track record of debugging, troubleshooting, and improving new production lines or early-stage processes.
• Deep knowledge of continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Demonstrated success collaborating closely with design engineering teams and influencing product architecture through DFM/DFA input.
• Experience in fast-paced, complex hardware environments.
• Strong commitment to product quality, safety, cost reduction, and process reliability.

What We Offer: 

• Comprehensive Medical Benefits
• Dental & Vision Benefits  
• Life Insurance and ADD  
• Up to 12 paid holidays per year, in addition to a company week-long holiday in December
• Flexible time off policy
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Catered lunches on-site
• Rondo HQ is close to Oakland airport - one block from the Bay - and has stunning Bay views
• An opportunity to make a huge positive impact on the planet 

This role necessitates being on-site Alameda, California. The estimated annual salary range for a candidate in the Bay Area for this role is between $170,000 and $200,000, plus equity in an early-stage, rapidly scaling global company. Additionally, you would be eligible for Rondo's excellent benefits listed above. Please note that some pay bands may have wide ranges of compensation to accommodate candidates' diverse sets of skill levels, experience, and geographic locations.  

About Rondo Energy 

We are transforming industrial decarbonization with our innovative Rondo Heat Battery technology. Rondo is deploying low-cost, zero-carbon Rondo Heat Batteries to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and to significantly decarbonize industrial processes that are commonly thought of as "difficult-to-decarbonize". Our heat batteries charge from intermittent renewables to provide high temperature, continuous heat for customers safely, reliably, at an unprecedented 98% efficiency - and at a cost point that is lower than any other method.   

Our technology is designed to replace fossil-fired boilers. By enabling industries to adopt renewable energy without costly factory changes, we are accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. With over $160 million in funding and partnerships across critical industrial sectors, Rondo is scaling rapidly to meet global demand. 

Rondo Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where contributions are valued and celebrated, and our employees thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, or disability. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on these or other protected categories or social identities.  

Rondo is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please let our recruiting team know. 

We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias.  

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Rondo does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Furthermore, Rondo Energy does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by any agency other than its approved partners.