Reliability Test Engineer

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 Reliability Test Engineer to join our team and drive innovation in testing thermal and heat transfer systems for industrial heat applications at scale. You will be responsible for designing, building, and commissioning custom test rigs. You will also execute tests to demonstrate reliability of Rondo components and systems.

Join our team, and together we can reduce global 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)

• Develop and implement test plans for validating component or assembly functionality, performance, and reliability.
• Define test parameters and methodologies including accelerated life testing (ALT), highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and highly accelerated stress screening (HASS).
• Use reliability modeling and statistical techniques (e.g., Weibull analysis, MTBF calculations) to assess product performance over time.
• Assist in building test setups and fixtures for mechanical, electrical, and thermal testing.
• Conduct stress, thermal, fatigue, and failure testing per component lifetime requirements.
• Analyze and translate testing data into reliability metrics and lifetime assessments.
• Create wiring diagrams and instrumentation lists.
• Write test automation code, via LabView, Ignition, Python or similar.
• Integrate and calibrate various process sensors (temperature, heat flux, power measurement, etc.) to support accurate and reliable testing of thermal systems.
• Prioritize safety by implementing and adhering to safety protocols and industry standards throughout testing processes.
• Analyze test data for accuracy and consistency.
• Summarize test results and report out cross functionally.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Thermal Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in operating test equipment and testing systems and components.
• Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and test automation systems.
• Experience with different sensor types and data acquisition systems.
• Familiar with medium voltage and high voltage wiring and customized equipment.
• Proficiency in standard laboratory equipment (oscilloscope, multimeters, power meters, thermocouples, etc.).
• Good laboratory practices (GLP) with operating and handling materials involving electromechanical and high temperature applications.
• Familiar with HALT, reliability testing.
• Good understanding of heat transfer principles and thermal systems testing methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail in testing and validation.

Bonus Points!

• Experience with high-temperature materials testing (above 1000˚C).
• Knowledge of medium voltage systems and components.
• Background in PV solar system testing or integration.

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 4-5x per week.

The estimated annual salary range for this role is $110,000 to $170,000 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.