Staff Materials Engineer

About Tempo 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. Tempo is backed by leading climate and energy investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and Prelude Ventures. For more information, visit www.tempoenergy.com . Job Description The Staff Materials Engineer will lead complex materials development and quality initiatives that directly impact product reliability, manufacturability, and supplier readiness. This role combines deep technical expertise in ceramic materials with ownership of quality systems, process control strategies, supplier qualification, and scale-up readiness. This experienced Materials Engineer will operate as a technical leader across R&D, manufacturing, and supplier organizations, ensuring that materials, processes, and inspection methodologies consistently produce reliable outcomes. Beyond project execution, this role establishes standards, develops quality frameworks, mentors engineers, and drives continuous improvement across the organization. This position is particularly suited for an engineer with significant experience in ceramic manufacturing, quality assurance, process control, failure analysis, and supplier qualification. Key Responsibilities Innovation Lead efforts around material development with desired electro/thermo-physical properties Conceive and implement material testing and qualification strategies Quality Systems & Manufacturing Excellence Establish QA/QC methodologies for ceramic materials, components, and manufacturing processes. Develop inspection plans, control plans, acceptance criteria, and statistical process control methodologies. Lead root-cause investigations for material failures, process deviations, yield losses, and field performance issues. Develop incoming, in-process, and final inspection strategies for ceramic products. Drive implementation of quality systems with internal teams and external manufacturing partners. Define critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and process capability targets. Supplier Quality & Qualification Lead qualification and auditing of ceramic suppliers and contract manufacturers. Develop supplier scorecards and quality metrics. Review and approve manufacturing process changes, material substitutions, and corrective actions. Partner with suppliers to improve yield, consistency, and throughput. Failure Analysis & Reliability Lead investigations involving cracking, creep, thermal shock, dimensional instability, conductivity drift, and microstructural degradation. Correlate microstructure, processing history, and operating conditions with component performance. Develop accelerated life testing methodologies and reliability validation plans. Process Scale-Up Define quality requirements for pilot and commercial-scale manufacturing. Identify manufacturing risks before scale-up and implement mitigation plans. Drive process capability improvements and manufacturing readiness assessments. Basic Qualifications MS in Ceramics Engineering, Materials Science, or similar discipline 5–10 years relevant experience with hands on formulations, characterization, and analysis Preferred Skills and Experience PhD in Ceramics Engineering, Materials Science, or similar discipline Deep Expertise in ceramic processing, sintering, powder technology, and high-temperature materials. Demonstrated experience implementing QA/QC systems in ceramic or refractory manufacturing environments. Strong understanding of SPC, DOE, process capability studies, MSA, and quality engineering tools. Expertise in failure analysis using SEM, XRD, microscopy, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing. Experience with supplier qualification and manufacturing scale-up. Ability to translate laboratory findings into robust production controls. Compensation Range The US base salary range for this full-time position is $148000 to $161,700 + 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.  Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include equity or benefits . Physical Demands Sitting and standing: Extended periods at a desk performing computer-based design, simulation, and documentation work, balanced with time at a lab bench or in the shop during hardware build and testing Lifting and carrying : Lift and carry equipment, test fixtures, or hardware assemblies up to 50 lbs.; heavier items handled with mechanical assistance or team lift Hand dexterity: Frequent use of hands for assembly, fabrication, instrumentation hookup, and operation of test and shop equipment Visual acuity: Ability to read engineering drawings, inspect hardware, and identify dimensional and surface quality features during fabrication and testing PPE compliance: Ability to wear and work effectively in required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, safety shoes, and other appropriate gear in high-temperature lab and shop environments Safety acumen: Demonstrated understanding of lab and shop safety protocols, including hazard recognition and risk mitigation in environments involving high-temperature equipment, energized systems, and fabrication machinery Travel: Occasional travel (estimated <5%) for tool