Structural Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Structural Design Engineer to join our growing team and help transform industrial heat at scale. This role offers the opportunity to work on a first-of-its-kind energy technology with tangible, real-world climate impact, supporting the development and deployment of large-scale hardware systems.

As part of the Structural Engineering team within the Product Engineering organization, you will own the structural design of critical subsystems within Rondo's Heat Batteries. Working closely with cross-functional partners, you will ensure designs meet performance requirements while remaining manufacturable, constructible, and cost-effective. Your work will directly influence product reliability, scalability, and speed to deployment, and will play a key role in advancing Rondo's mission to decarbonize industrial energy.

Join us in reducing global CO₂ emissions by 1% in 10 years-and 15% in 15 years.

What You Will Do

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and develop structural assemblies for Rondo Heat Batteries, including metal insulated enclosures, and air management components such as louvers, ducts, and plenums, all subjected to various load cases and scenarios including thermo-mechanical loads, wind and seismic forces.
• Perform structural analysis and design of various components and systems according to applicable national and international codes and standards. Where prescriptive codes are insufficient or inapplicable, develop rigorous, well-documented design methodologies and validation plans to ensure performance, safety and reliability.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and apply other analytical methods to verify structural performance and optimize design parameters.
• Develop detailed design documentation, including drawings, sketches, calculation packages, and fabrication-ready CAD models.
• Support the development of design requirements and technical specifications.
• Coordinate design and construction efforts with internal teams and external partners, including fabricators, EPCs, contractors, and design-assist partners.
• Serve as point of contact for structural engineering RFI's.
• Support prototyping and testing efforts to achieve robust, cost-effective solutions for core technology, manufacturing tooling, and related equipment.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and iterative engineering environment that fosters open communication and continuous improvement.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, with a specialization in structures.
• 5+ years of experience designing metal structures and systems (including connection design), particularly cold-formed steel structures in industrial applications (e.g., enclosures, ductwork, louvers, and support structures).
• Strong working knowledge of applicable structural codes and standards, especially AISI and AISC specifications, and ASCE 7.
• In-depth knowledge of seismic analysis and design of steel structures, non-structural components, and specific anchorage considerations in seismic regions.
• Experience designing cast-in-place and post-installed anchorage systems in concrete.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to gather, synthesize, communicate and present information across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Flexibility, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and work effectively in a cross-functional organization with mechanical, electrical, process engineering and supply chain teams.
• Experience using CAD modeling / BIM tools such as Revit, Navisworks, and SolidWorks.
• Experience in FEA and structural engineering tools such as SAP2000, IdeaStatica, Ansys, etc.

Bonus Points

• An advanced degree in Structural Engineering or Structural Mechanics.
• Experience with process/industrial infrastructure projects.
• Experience with performance-based design of non-building structures.
• Familiarity with international structural codes and standards (European, Australian).
• Familiarity with design of steel/alloy structures exposed to high temperatures and applicable ASME codes.
• Experience with modular, high-precision, high-volume steel framing and manufacturing processes, such as roll forming or pressed sheet metal.
• Experience designing purpose-built, outdoor-rated metal enclosures.
• Experience with interface design between metal structures and concrete or refractory systems.
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Prior experience working in a startup environment.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain PE license within 1-2 years from the start date.

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
• Catered lunches on-site
• 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 HQ several times per week. The estimated annual salary range for this role is $130,000 to $150,000 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.