Process and Thermal Performance Intern
Rondo EnergyAlameda, California, United States · Posted 1 month agoDescription
This is an opportunity to work alongside an outstanding, multidisciplinary engineering team in a fast-paced startup environment. You will be part of Rondo’s Core Technology team and contribute directly to the analysis and development of thermal and fluid systems at the heart of our high-temperature heat battery platform — performing real engineering calculations that shape how our systems are designed, optimized, and deployed.
What You Will Do (key responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to):
- Support thermal and fluid performance analyses using 1D simulation tools (e.g., AFT, Ebsilon, Aspen, or equivalent) and first-principles hand calculations to characterize system behavior across operating conditions.
- Assist in sizing and performance evaluation of fluid system components including pumps, blowers, fans, heat exchangers, valves, dampers, and air-flow equipment.
- Develop and validate steady-state and transient thermal models for energy storage and heat transfer systems, comparing simulation outputs against test data and analytical predictions.
- Perform pressure drop, flow distribution, and energy balance calculations for ducting networks, piping systems, and process loops.
- Apply fundamental thermodynamic and fluid mechanics principles to evaluate system efficiency, identify performance bottlenecks, and support design improvements.
- Assist in developing and maintaining engineering calculation packages, spreadsheets, and simulation scripts used for design verification and performance tracking.
- Support test planning and data reduction: process raw test data, produce performance plots, and compare results against model predictions.
- Contribute to equipment specification and vendor data review for pumps, blowers, heat exchangers, and related process equipment.
- Participate in design reviews and technical discussions; prepare concise technical memos and summaries as needed.
What You Will Bring:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline; completion of core coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer required. Master's degree is preferred.
- Foundational understanding of energy systems, including thermal cycles, heat exchangers, pumps, blowers, fans, and air-handling equipment.
- Familiarity with 1D thermal-fluid analysis: ability to set up energy and mass balances, apply Bernoulli and Darcy-Weisbach principles, and interpret pump and fan curves.
- Exposure to at least one simulation or calculation tool such as AFT, Ebsilon, MATLAB, Aspen Plus/HYSYS, or equivalent; willingness to learn new tools quickly.
- Comfort working with engineering equations and unit conversions across SI and imperial systems.
- Strong academic record with a genuine interest in clean energy, climate technology, and sustainability.
- Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, well-documented engineering calculations.
- Organized self-starter with excellent time management skills and the ability to take ownership of assigned work.
- Effective communicator with strong writing skills and the ability to present technical results clearly to peers and senior engineers.
Bonus Points!
- Hands-on coursework or project experience with heat exchanger design, pump/fan system analysis, or duct/air system sizing.
- Familiarity with CFD/FEA tools for flow visualization or validation.
- Exposure to energy storage, renewable energy, industrial thermal systems, or power plant operations.
- Prior internship or co-op experience in a mechanical, process, or energy engineering environment.
What We Offer:
- Catered lunches on-site
- Rondo HQ is close to Oakland airport - one block from the Bay - and has stunning Bay views!
This role necessitates either being on-site at our Alameda HQ 2-3x per week OR remote in Central Florida. The estimated annual hourly range for this role is $35 to $45. Please note that some pay bands may have wide ranges of compensation to accommodate candidates' diverse sets of skill levels and experience.
About the Company
We are transforming industrial decarbonization with our innovative Rondo Heat Battery technology. 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.
Our technology is designed to replace fossil-fired boilers. By enabling industries to adopt renewable energy without costly factory changes, we are accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. With over $160 million in funding and partnerships across critical industrial sectors, Rondo is scaling rapidly to meet global demand.
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.
Similar jobs
Est. 124,000 USD
We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team. This role leads the design and development of high-temperature insulation systems, structural interfaces, and sealing solutions for…
Est. 202,500 USD
About Rondo Energy 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, ena…
Est. 160,000 USD
We are looking for a Head of People to lead Rondo’s global People function as we scale across commercial, engineering, manufacturing, and project-delivery operations. Reporting to the CFO, this person will develop and ex…
Est. 80,000 EUR
What You Will Do (key responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to): Technical leadership across disciplines: Act as the senior technical reviewer for the Project Engineering team’s deliverables. You’ll…
Est. 232,500 USD
We are looking for a Senior Manager of FP&A to become the dedicated owner of Rondo Energy's financial planning engine at a pivotal moment of growth. Fresh off going live with its first ERP (NetSuite), Rondo is now bu…
Est. 120,000 EUR
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 fa…
Est. 175,000 USD
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 fa…
Est. 80,000 EUR
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 fa…
Est. 120,000 GBP
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 fa…
Est. 115,000 USD
Join the Origis Energy Team! Origis Energy is accelerating the transition to a carbon-free future by Reimagining ZeroSM. As one of America’s leading renewable energy and decarbonization solution platforms, the company co…
Est. 177,000 USD
Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or m…
Est. 144,000 USD
ON.energy is building the backbone of energy and AI infrastructure powering grid-safe data centers and mission-critical facilities. The company supplies and operates hyperscale power systems that solve the toughest resil…
Est. 124,000 USD
Peak Energy Job Title: Systems Integration and Test Engineer Location: Burlingame, CA Department: ESS Engineering Reports To: Senior Manager, Test Engineering Position Type: Full-time About the Company: Peak Energy is th…
Est. 129,000 USD
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Est. 172,500 USD
About Us At Arbor Energy & Resources Corporation ("Arbor Energy"), we’re creating technology to power our lives while protecting the planet that sustains them. Our advanced power systems deliver clean, reliable basel…
Est. 172,500 USD
Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or m…
Est. 124,000 USD
About Redwood Materials Redwood is localizing a global battery supply chain that seamlessly integrates recovery, reuse, and recycling — keeping critical minerals in circulation and driving the energy transition. Founded…
Est. 207,500 USD
Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or m…
Est. 173,500 USD
Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or m…
Est. 60,000 USD
About the Company: Peak Energy is the first American venture to advance globally proven Sodium-Ion battery systems as the storage standard for the new era of renewable energy on a resilient grid. Sodium-Ion is cheap, rea…
Est. 140,000 USD
ON.energy is building the backbone of energy and AI infrastructure powering grid-safe data centers and mission-critical facilities. The company supplies and operates hyperscale power systems that solve the toughest resil…
Est. 124,000 USD
About Redwood Materials Redwood is localizing a global battery supply chain that seamlessly integrates recovery, reuse, and recycling — keeping critical minerals in circulation and driving the energy transition. Founded…
Est. 120,000 USD
About Valar Atomics At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generatio…
Est. 175,000 USD
Do you want to work with high-caliber professionals in a dynamic and growing company? Are you entrepreneurial, hard-working, and collegial? Join us at SB Energy, a leading infrastructure company backed by SoftBank Group…
Est. 136,000 USD
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Est. 177,000 USD
Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or m…
Est. 136,500 USD
Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or m…
Est. 172,500 USD
About Us At Arbor Energy & Resources Corporation ("Arbor Energy"), we’re creating technology to power our lives while protecting the planet that sustains them. Our advanced power systems deliver clean, reliable basel…
Est. 177,000 USD
Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or m…
Est. 169,500 USD
Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or m…