Product Design Manager, New Products

As a Product Design Manager at Rondo Energy, your key responsibilities include leading a cross-functional design team, guiding design strategy for high-temperature applications, and ensuring that thermal performance and safety standards are met throughout the design and engineering phases. You will coordinate closely with various teams, including procurement and construction, to ensure the successful delivery of high-heat product requirements.

To qualify for the Product Design Manager role at Rondo Energy, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of 10 years of experience leading design in an industrial product environment. Proficiency with modeling tools like AutoCAD and SolidWorks, as well as a strong understanding of high-heat product development, are also essential.

The Product Design Manager plays a crucial role in driving innovation for Rondo Energy’s Heat Batteries, which are designed to decarbonize industrial processes. By managing the development of new, efficient products, you’ll be a key player in Rondo’s goal to significantly reduce global CO₂ emissions, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and greener future.

The work environment at Rondo Energy’s headquarters in Alameda, CA, is collaborative and innovative, fostering teamwork among professionals who are deeply passionate about sustainability. With stunning Bay views and a focus on inclusivity and support, employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, further enhancing team dynamics.

A Product Design Manager at Rondo Energy can expect a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid holidays, a flexible time-off policy, a 401(k) plan with company match, and more. Additionally, Rondo prioritizes work-life balance and provides a positive work environment to enhance employee satisfaction.

In designing high-temperature systems, I first ensure a thorough understanding of thermal dynamics and material resilience. I focus on collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to address potential risks and ensure that thermal performance is optimized while meeting safety standards.

One challenging project involved the redesign of an insulation system for high-heat environments. To overcome challenges, I facilitated brainstorming sessions with engineers, adjusted material choices based on feedback, and implemented a rigorous testing phase to validate our solutions before moving forward.

I have extensive experience with design and modeling tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Revit. I utilize these tools for everything from conceptual design to detailed technical drawings, ensuring that all aspects of a project align with performance and regulatory standards.

I foster cross-functional collaboration by establishing regular check-in meetings, encouraging open communication, and leveraging collaborative tools to share updates. By creating a culture of inclusion and accountability, everyone is motivated to contribute to the project's success.

When selecting materials for high-temperature applications, I consider thermal performance, material durability, resistance to degradation, and compliance with industry codes. Additionally, I prioritize sustainability and the long-term performance of the material under extreme conditions.

Yes, I have encountered regulatory challenges, particularly regarding material compliance and safety standards. To navigate these issues, I collaborated closely with regulatory teams, stayed updated on relevant codes, and ensured all designs adhered to required guidelines, thereby minimizing delays.

I stay informed about advancements in high-temperature technology by attending industry conferences, participating in professional organizations, and following relevant research publications. Continuous learning and networking help me bring fresh ideas and innovations to my projects.

My leadership style emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and open communication. I believe in empowering team members to take ownership of their work while providing support and resources to help them succeed. By fostering a positive team culture, we achieve higher levels of creativity and innovation.

For risk management in high-heat design projects, I identify potential risks early in the design phase, evaluate their impact, and develop mitigation strategies. Regular team reviews and design validations help in addressing risks proactively to avoid issues later in the project.

I measure success by analyzing performance metrics such as efficiency, compliance with design specifications, and feedback from stakeholders. Post-launch evaluations include performance assessments in real-world scenarios to ensure our products deliver the desired outcomes.