Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

We’re looking for a creative Staff Mechanical Design Engineer to join our fast-paced team and bring innovative thermal battery solutions to life. If you thrive on solving complex engineering challenges and want your work to make a tangible impact on climate solutions, then join us! 

As a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll play a key role in shaping the design, development, and delivery of our cutting-edge thermal batteries.  

What You’ll Do (responsibilities include but are not limited to): 

• Drive world-class design for cost-efficiency, manufacturability, and constructability. 

• Lead and participate in detailed engineering analyses and technical design reviews to ensure exceptional quality and performance. 

• Apply heat transfer and thermal system principles to optimize design for performance and efficiency. 

• Perform tolerance stack-ups and FMEAs to ensure manufacturability, functional fit, and design robustness. 

• Develop and review CAD models and drawings (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) to clearly communicate design intent. 

• Support and improve internal product development processes, promoting engineering rigor and documentation. 

• Review and approve designs, drawings, and specifications to maintain high-quality standards. 

• Collaborate with an inclusive and iterative design team, fostering open communication and shared problem-solving. 

• Visit suppliers and production sites to gain insight into manufacturing processes and integration needs. 

• Support reliability testing efforts and define testing protocols with internal or external partners. 

• Communicate design direction and status to leadership through clear, concise presentations. 

• Mentor junior engineers, sharing your expertise and supporting their growth. 

What You'll Bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field), or equivalent practical experience. 

• 10+ years of engineering experience in a relevant industry or product development environment. 

• Strong proficiency in mechanical design tools—SolidWorks preferred. 

• Deep knowledge of core engineering disciplines, including: 

• Heat transfer and fluid dynamics 

• Solid mechanics and structural analysis 

• Manufacturing processes and methodologies 

• GD&T and tolerance stack analysis 

• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, make sound tradeoffs, and drive design decisions. 

• A collaborative and curious mindset, with a passion for continuous improvement. 

• Demonstrated experience mentoring junior engineers and fostering team development. 

Bonus Points! 

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field 

• Experience with ceramic or refractory materials, or industrial machine design 

This role is required to be on-site at our Alameda Headquarters. The estimated annual salary range for this role in the San Francisco Bay Area is $180,000 to $220,000 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. 

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.