Senior Manufacturing Engineer
About the role
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.
Responsibilities
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.
Requirements
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.
Qualifications
None specified.
Skills
Manufacturing Process Development
Virtual Process Modeling
Production Readiness & Cross-Functional Integration
Tooling, Equipment, and Documentation
Cost & Schedule Ownership
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Design for Assembly (DFA)
Benefits
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
Catered lunches on-site
Rondo HQ is close to Oakland airport - one block from the Bay - and has stunning Bay views
Pay
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.
Schedule
This role necessitates being on-site in Alameda, California.