Mechanical Engineer

About Tempo

Based in San Diego, California, Tempo develops thermochemical energy storage (TCES) systems designed for energy‑intensive industries. The platform enables industrial operators to shift energy use over time by sourcing power when it is most cost‑effective and enables the electrification of high‑temperature industrial heat at a cost advantage to using fossil fuels. By storing electricity thermochemically, the system delivers a continuous stream of combustion‑free, high‑temperature air at up to 1,200°C.

Tempo is backed by leading climate and energy investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and Prelude Ventures.

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We are seeking an experienced and driven Staff Mechanical Engineer who thrives in a fast‑paced startup environment. You will take ownership of the end‑to‑end development of mission‑critical mechanical and thermal systems, from blank‑page concept through analysis, fabrication, and final testing. You will tackle extreme engineering challenges, including high‑temperature systems with complex power electronic interfaces —while mentoring junior engineers and driving projects across the finish line.

• Lead the design, analysis, and manufacturing of complex mechanical and thermal hardware.
• Architect and design systems from the ground up using Solid Works, ensuring robust application of GD&T.
• Conduct advanced structural (FEA) and thermal (COMSOL) analyses on systems operating in extreme environments (up to 1500°C).
• Design custom steel and aluminum weldments, overseeing their fabrication and quality.
• Architect and implement data acquisition (DAQ) systems and instrumentation to validate prototype performance.
• Act as a technical authority for DFM/DFA, frequently utilizing hands‑on fabrication skills (welding, machining) to iterate rapidly.
• Take full ownership of project life cycles, navigating the ambiguities of a startup environment to deliver hardware on tight timelines.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years of professional design and/or hands‑on manufacturing experience.
• Prior experience in a startup or highly dynamic engineering environment.

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or other comparable engineering disciplines.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers.
• Understanding and proper application of GD&T.
• Experience with CAD (Solid Works).
• Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA).
• Experience performing thermal analysis (COMSOL).
• Experience with steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis.
• Experience with high-temperature (up to 1500°C) system design and analysis.
• Hands‑on design, design for manufacturability (DFM), and fabrication experience.
• Experience with common fabrication methods and tools (welder, router, mill, lathe, hand tools, etc.).
• Data acquisition and instrumentation experience (thermocouples, pressure sensors, electrical sensors, flow sensors, oxygen sensors, etc…).
• Demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion.

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $186,000 to $206,900 + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, location, and relevant education or training. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include equity or benefits.

• Sitting and standing:
  Extended periods at a desk performing computer‑based design, simulation, and documentation work, balanced with time at a lab bench or in the shop during hardware build and testing.
• Lif…