Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Rondo is accelerating industry's transition to lower-cost, zero-carbon heat and power.

Our Rondo Heat Batteries turn low-cost renewable electricity into continuous, high-temperature heat and power, enabling industrial facilities to replace fossil-fired boilers without costly process changes. The result is lower-cost, zero-carbon industrial energy delivered safely, reliably, and at 98% efficiency.

Rondo is commercially deployed and rapidly scaling, today. Backed by world-class industrial leaders and investors - including Breakthrough Energy, Energy Impact Partners, Rio Tinto, Aramco, SABIC, SCG, TITAN, Microsoft, H&M, and John Doerr - Rondo is building the next generation of industrial energy infrastructure at global scale.

We are looking for a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of the assembly processes behind our modular thermal battery system, taking it from early prototype through high-volume production. You will partner closely with design, supply chain, and field deployment teams to build robust, data-driven manufacturing processes that deliver on quality, cost, and throughput in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

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 $165,000 and $185,000, 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…