Product Design Manager, New Products (Mechanical Engineering)

About Rondo Energy

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.

About the Role:

We are looking for a Product Design Manager with deep expertise in high-temperature systems to lead the creation and development of Rondo’s next-generation products. In this role, you will drive the design and engineering of innovative, high-heat industrial infrastructure—from concept through execution. You’ll lead a cross-functional team of engineers and designers, delivering cutting-edge solutions that thrive under extreme thermal demands while integrating seamlessly across structural, civil, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and supply chain disciplines.

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape infrastructure that operates at the frontier of industrial decarbonization. Your work will directly support Rondo’s mission to reduce global CO₂ emissions by 1% in 10 years and 15% in 15 years.

 What You Will Do (key responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to): 

• Lead a multi-disciplinary design team focused on high-temperature industrial products and systems, fostering collaboration and technical excellence.

• Guide design strategy for high-heat applications—ensuring thermal performance, material resilience, and safety across all phases of design and engineering.

• Partner with mechanical, chemical, and process engineers to ensure designs support high-temperature operations, including heat storage, thermal transport, and insulation systems.

• Coordinate closely with procurement, construction, and fabrication teams to ensure high-heat product requirements are met through all stages of EPC delivery.

• Oversee development and approval of thermal design concepts, drawings, and specifications, ensuring compliance with industry codes, material limits, and regulatory standards.

• Identify risks specific to high-temperature environments (e.g., thermal expansion, material degradation, sealing, safety) and implement mitigation strategies.

• Incorporate advanced materials, insulation technologies, and sustainable practices into design decisions to optimize system durability and performance under extreme heat.

• Review technical constraints across projects and proactively address integration challenges at the interfaces between high-heat and other engineering systems.

What You Will Bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or related field—or equivalent hands-on experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience leading design in an EPC or industrial product environment, including significant experience in high-temperature systems

• Strong proficiency with design and modeling tools (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, SolidWorks, etc.)

• Demonstrated understanding of high-heat product development, including materials, thermal dynamics, and stress/load management in elevated temperature environments

• Proven leadership in coordinating large-scale, multi-disciplinary engineering projects with a focus on technical depth and execution

• Excellent communication, mentorship, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Track record of delivering technically rigorous, practical solutions in thermally intensive applications

Bonus Points! 

• PE License 
• Advanced Degree

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 requires being on-site at our Alameda, CA headquarters most working days. The estimated annual salary range for a candidate in the Bay Area for this role is $225,000.00 to $250,000 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 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.