Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

We’re looking for a creative Staff Mechanical Design Engineer to join our fast-paced team and bring innovative thermal battery solutions to life. If you thrive on solving complex engineering challenges and want your work to make a tangible impact on climate solutions, then join us!

As a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll play a key role in shaping the design, development, and delivery of our cutting-edge thermal batteries.

What You’ll Do

• Drive world-class design for cost-efficiency, manufacturability, and constructability.
• Lead and participate in detailed engineering analyses and technical design reviews to ensure exceptional quality and performance.
• Apply heat transfer and thermal system principles to optimize design for performance and efficiency.
• Perform tolerance stack-ups and FMEAs to ensure manufacturability, functional fit, and design robustness.
• Develop and review CAD models and drawings (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) to clearly communicate design intent.
• Support and improve internal product development processes, promoting engineering rigor and documentation.
• Review and approve designs, drawings, and specifications to maintain high-quality standards.
• Collaborate with an inclusive and iterative design team, fostering open communication and shared problem-solving.
• Visit suppliers and production sites to gain insight into manufacturing processes and integration needs.
• Support reliability testing efforts and define testing protocols with internal or external partners.
• Communicate design direction and status to leadership through clear, concise presentations.
• Mentor junior engineers, sharing your expertise and supporting their growth.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field), or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in a relevant industry or product development environment.
• Strong proficiency in mechanical design tools—SolidWorks preferred.
• Deep knowledge of core engineering disciplines, including:
  • Heat transfer and fluid dynamics
  • Solid mechanics and structural analysis
  • Manufacturing processes and methodologies
  • GD&T and tolerance stack analysis
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, make sound tradeoffs, and drive design decisions.
• A collaborative and curious mindset, with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring junior engineers and fostering team development.

Bonus Points!

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Experience with ceramic or refractory materials, or industrial machine design

This role is required to be on-site at our Alameda Headquarters. The estimated annual salary range for this role in the San Francisco Bay Area is $180,000 to $220,000 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.