Staff Thermal Engineer

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 Thermal Engineer to join our dynamic team, dedicated to enhancing Rondo Heat Battery (RHB) systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat transfer, and thermodynamics.

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):

• Collaborate with the engineering team to understand project requirements and objective
• Develop and implement thermal models using CFD simulations including steady-state and transient heat transfer and fluid flow to analyze various system components
• Conduct comprehensive performance analyses to optimize thermal performance, efficiency, and reliability of existing and new products
• Build 3D CAD models of RHB components using commercial CAD software packages
• Assist in the validation of models through comparison with experimental data and field measurements
• Generate detailed documentation of simulation results for internal and external stakeholders
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate thermal modeling insights into the overall product design process
• Contribute to the development and improvement of in-house tools for thermal analysis

What You Will Bring:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent industry experience
• 5+ years of experience, preferably in thermal design engineering and first-principles
• Strong knowledge and understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, CFD, transport phenomena, and thermodynamics fundamentals
• Fluency in SOLIDWORKS is a plus
• Experience with commercial CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, or OpenFOAM
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

Bonus Points!

• Ph.D. degree in mechanical or related field
• Familiarity with programming languages for scripting
• Experience working in one or more of the following is a plus: High temperature applications, Steam/Superheated Gas Processing Systems, Furnace Systems, Fluid/Chemical Process Systems, Industrial Systems

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 necessitates being on-site at our Alameda, CA HQ or quarterly travel to Alameda. The estimated annual salary range for this role is $150,000 to $200,000 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.