Senior Mechanical Engineer

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>About Tempo</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Tempo is backed by leading climate and energy investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and Prelude Ventures.</p> <p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.tempoenergy.com/">www.tempoenergy.com</a>.</p></div><p><strong>Job Description</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead the design, analysis, and manufacturing of complex mechanical and thermal hardware.</li> <li>Architect and design systems from the ground up using SolidWorks, ensuring robust application of GD&T.</li> <li>Conduct advanced structural (FEA) and thermal (COMSOL) analyses on systems operating in extreme environments (up to 1500°C).</li> <li>Design custom steel and aluminum weldments, overseeing their fabrication and quality.</li> <li>Architect and implement data acquisition (DAQ) systems and instrumentation to validate prototype performance.</li> <li>Act as a technical authority for DFM/DFA, frequently utilizing hands-on fabrication skills (welding, machining) to iterate rapidly.</li> <li>Take full ownership of project life cycles, navigating the ambiguities of a startup environment to deliver hardware on tight timelines.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Basic Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.</li> <li>5+ years of professional design and/or hands-on manufacturing experience.</li> <li>Prior experience in a startup or highly dynamic engineering environment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Skills and Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li>Master's degree in mechanical engineering or other comparable engineering disciplines. </li> <li>Experience working with contract manufacturers.</li> <li>Understanding and proper application of GD&T.</li> <li>Experience with CAD (SolidWorks).</li> <li>Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA).</li> <li>Experience performing thermal analysis (COMSOL).</li> <li>Experience with steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis.</li> <li>Experience with high-temperature (up to 1500°C) system design and analysis.</li> <li>Hands-on design, design for manufacturability (DFM), and fabrication experience.</li> <li>Experience with common fabrication methods and tools (welder, router, mill, lathe, hand tools, etc.).</li> <li>Data acquisition and instrumentation experience (thermocouples, pressure sensors, electrical sensors, flow sensors, oxygen sensors, etc…).</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Compensation Range</strong></p> <p><em>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. </em></p> <p><em>Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include equity or benefits</em>.</p><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>Physical Demands</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Sitting and standing: </strong>Extended periods at a desk performing computer-based design, simulation, and documentation work.</li> <li><strong>Lifting and carrying : </strong>Lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs.; heavier items handled with mechanical assistance or team lift</li> <li><strong>Travel: </strong>Occasional travel (estimated <5%) </li> </ul> <p><strong>Working at Tempo</strong></p> <p>Tempo is a lean organization working on exciting challenges, and the people who thrive here share a few things in common beyond their technical skills.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Clear, direct communication:</strong> You professionally say what you mean, lead with empathy, use tact, ask when you're unsure, and keep the people around you informed without being asked. At a company our size, communication gaps are expensive, and good communicators add to success and efficiency!</li> <li><strong>Low-ego helpfulness:</strong> You're willing to jump in on work that isn't strictly yours, whether that's helping a teammate debug something