Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Join Rondo Energy as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Alameda, California. Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for modular thermal battery systems. Enjoy comprehensive medical benefits, flexible time off, and the chance to make a positive impact on the planet. Become a Senior Manufacturing Engineer with Rondo Energy in Alameda, California, and lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for modular thermal battery storage systems. This hands-on role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable production and high-quality output. Enjoy comprehensive medical benefits, flexible time off, and the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the planet while working in a stunning location near the Bay.

Rondo Energy Alameda, California, United States On-site Full Time USD 170k–200k yearly UTC-08:00

Rondo Energy

Company Overview

Name

Rondo Energy

Headquarters

Alameda, California, United States

Founded

2020

Size

Employee count is not publicly specified, and as a private company, no revenue figures are disclosed; total funding raised is $82 million (source: cbinsights.com).

What They Do

Rondo Energy focuses on electrified thermal energy storage, specifically through its innovative Rondo Heat Battery (RHB) technology. This technology converts intermittent renewable electricity from sources such as wind and solar into high-temperature heat, which is stored in refractory bricks heated to temperatures between 1100-1500°C. The stored energy can then be dispatched as superheated air, process heat, steam, or power with an impressive efficiency of over 98% for extended periods, making it a viable solution for industries that require continuous high-temperature heat (source: rondo.com). Rondo's products are particularly targeted at sectors like steel, cement, chemicals, food processing, biofuels, textiles, and mining, where high-temperature heat is essential for operations. The company offers scalable systems ranging from pilot-scale deployments to larger commercial applications, catering to a diverse range of industrial needs (source: cbinsights.com). By providing a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries, Rondo differentiates itself in the market, focusing on thermal storage solutions that do not rely on rare materials, thus enhancing sustainability and accessibility for heavy industries globally (source: weforum.org).

Projects & Track Record

Rondo Energy has made significant strides in the deployment of its Heat Battery technology, with its first pilot-scale 2 MWh Heat Battery operational since 2023 at a California ethanol production facility. This deployment marks a pivotal moment for the company as it represents its initial major project in the field (source: canarymedia.com). The company has announced a total of 11 commercial developments, including 8 RHB deployments that collectively exceed 200 MWh. Notably, Rondo is working on a Heat-as-a-Service solution for HEINEKEN, which is powered by on-site solar and grid renewables, with support from major partners like EDP and the European Investment Bank (source: rondo.com). Rondo's partnerships span various industries, including food and beverage, cement production, mining, and textiles, with a total of 3 GWh in committed capacity across four major partnerships (source: rondo.com). The company's geographic presence is primarily in the United States, with its headquarters in Alameda and ongoing projects in California, while also expanding into Europe through its collaboration with HEINEKEN (source: cbinsights.com).

Recent Developments

In the past two years, Rondo Energy has successfully secured a Series B - II funding round, building on a previous $22 million Series A funding closed in February 2022. This funding was led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Energy Impact Partners, aimed at enhancing manufacturing capabilities and facilitating customer deliveries (source: rondo.com). The company has made headlines with its HEINEKEN Heat-as-a-Service contract, which was announced as a significant milestone in 2025, alongside the deployment of over 200 MWh across 11 commercial projects (source: rondo.com). Additionally, Rondo was granted a U.S. patent on February 25, 2025, for a thermal energy storage system that integrates with steam cracking systems, showcasing its commitment to innovation in energy storage and conversion technologies (source: cbinsights.com). While no acquisitions or mergers have been reported, Rondo continues to achieve operational milestones and gain recognition from investors for its efforts in addressing industrial heat challenges (source: canarymedia.com).

Working There

Rondo Energy's LinkedIn page indicates that the company is actively hiring for various roles primarily in engineering, manufacturing, project development, and operations. The departments include research and development focused on Heat Battery technology, sales teams targeting industrial clients, deployment teams for project execution, and support functions such as finance, reflecting the company's growth phase (source: linkedin.com). Most hiring efforts are concentrated at the Alameda headquarters, although there may be remote or project-based opportunities associated with U.S. pilots and European expansions like the HEINEKEN project (source: cbinsights.com). The company culture is characterized by a mission-driven approach to decarbonization, emphasizing collaboration with top investors and a commitment to scaling operations for profitability, as highlighted by CEO John O’Donnell in recent funding announcements (source: rondo.com). While specific employee benefits are not detailed in public sources, the venture-backed nature of Rondo suggests competitive compensation packages typical for Series B clean-tech firms in California, including potential equity options (source: linkedin.com).

Contact

Website · Careers · LinkedIn

Last updated on 2025-12-26 | Report an issue

Job Description

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.