Senior Materials Scientist

About Rondo Energy 

Rondo Energy's mission is to eliminate 15% of global CO2 emissions in 15 years. 

To accomplish this mission, 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. 
 

We are looking for an experienced, customer-centric Sr. Materials Scientist to join our team and repower industrial heat at scale. This role will lead and drive key projects to determine performance and reliability of core components within the heat batteries. 

Join our team and together we can reduce world CO₂ emissions by 1% in 10 years, and by 15% in 15 years! 

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

• Hands-on independent researcher: design, test, and analyze to understand and model product reliability, support manufacturing scale-up, and assist with R&D projects for material qualification and integration into products.  
• Test and validate material properties (thermal, physical, mechanical, chemical, other) for R&D and QA/QC.  
• Diagnosis material failures and perform root cause analysis for core components, pilot deployments, and project sites.  
• Lead and develop prototype and accelerated testing fixtures.  
• Research and keep up to date with current literature, technical data sheets and supplier information. 
• Work with external vendors and labs to arrange for material and mechanical property measurements and testing.  
• Assist with new vendor/supplier qualification for core components 
• Organize and prepare results for cross-functional presentations and design reviews.  
• Generate detailed reports for key stakeholders (internal and external)  
• Maintain laboratory and office space in safe and orderly condition and follow safety protocol. 

What You Will Bring: 

• Minimum: A BS degree chemistry, materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field is desired. 
• 4-6 years of relevant experience in R&D, engineering, or related field.  
• Knowledge and experience in evaluation of material properties, durability characteristics, and testing standards is a plus. 
• Demonstrated experience of designing experimental test plans  
• Proficient with MS Office Suite and data interpretation/manipulation 
• Hands-on approach to problem solving. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team with remote supervision to complete projects on schedule.
• Able to work in a team environment. 

Bonus Points! 

• Experience in metallurgy, ceramics, or refractories is a plus 

What We Offer: 

• Comprehensive Medical Benefits 
• Dental & Vision Benefits  
• Life Insurance and ADD  
• Up to 13 paid holidays per year, in addition to a company week-long holiday in December 
• Flexible time off policy 
• 401(k) plan with company match 
• Rondo HQ is close to Oakland airport - one block from the Bay - and has stunning Bay views! 

This role is on-site Alameda, on-site Houston, hybrid, remote} and necessitates being on-site at our Alameda HQ 3-5 days per week. The estimated annual salary range for this role is $140,000 to $190,000 and it would be eligible for Rondo's excellent benefits listed above plus additional compensation in the form of equity. Please note that some pay bands may have wide ranges of compensation to accommodate candidates' diverse sets of skill levels and experience. 

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.