Refractory Engineer

At Rondo, we help the world’s most difficult-to-decarbonize industries rapidly lower their energy costs and carbon emissions.

Our low-cost, drop-in heat battery replaces fossil-fired boilers at industrial facilities, enabling companies to deeply decarbonize without making costly changes to their factories. Utilizing century-old refractory brick material and cutting-edge automation, Rondo Heat Batteries (RHBs) turn intermittent renewable electricity into continuous, high-temperature heat and power. With proven success in the field and modular models, we reduce cost and emissions across various industries, from food and textiles to steel and cement.

With a $3+ trillion market potential, we’re driving new demand for renewables, improving energy security, and accelerating rapid carbon reduction within the world’s most hard-to-abate sectors.

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

We are seeking Senior Refractory Engineer to lead the design, selection and qualification of our next generation refractory brick, insulation, and heater wire elements to enable higher temperature operation.

What you’ll do

• Lead design, selection, and qualification of refractory bricks, insulation, and heater wire elements for high-temperature operation, drawing on expertise in industry, design, process flow, and material selection.
• Develop and manage testing programs to evaluate material properties, oxidation, creep, and thermal cycling—integrating lab, pilot, and industrial trials.
• Apply simulation tools to predict heat transfer, stress, and material life.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, overseeing refractory and heater material sourcing, quality control, and technical evaluations.
• Conduct detailed failure analysis and drive design/process improvements.
• Collaborate with technology, engineering, supply chain, and delivery teams from concept through industrial deployment, following new product introduction (NPI) processes.
• Author installation, bake-out, and maintenance procedures; oversee on-site commissioning, inspection, and post-mortem analysis.

What you bring

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Metallurgical, Materials, or Ceramic Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• 8+ years in refractory/high-temp materials engineering for industrial applications, including recipe development and process optimization.
• Deep expertise in high-temp ceramics, refractory metals, and electric heater wire systems.
• Proven success in test program management, supplier qualification, and vendor partnerships across international manufacturing.
• Proficiency in simulation, materials characterization, and data-driven process improvement.
• Strong track record in scaling designs from lab to industrial deployment.

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 is preferred to be on-site Alameda, California though strong candidates from different geographies open to travel will be considered. The estimated annual salary range for a candidate in the Bay Area for this role is between $160,000 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.

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.