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. Tempo is seeking a motivated, hands-on Engineering Intern to support the development and experimental validation of its high-temperature thermal energy storage technology. The intern will work primarily on the SoFuel test stand, an experimental system designed to investigate high-temperature solid pellet storage, gas-solid heat transfer, granular material flow, and thermal system performance. This position offers an opportunity to work directly with experimental hardware, operate and improve a research-scale test system, analyze test data, and contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage technology. We are looking for someone who enjoys building, testing, troubleshooting, and solving practical engineering problems in a laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Testing and Test Stand Operation
Assist in preparing, setting up, and operating the SoFuel experimental test stand under the supervision of experienced engineers.
Execute experimental test plans to evaluate gas–solid heat transfer, particle flow behavior, and system performance.
Monitor operating parameters, including temperature, gas flow rate, pressure, and particle movement.
Conduct repeatability tests and evaluate the effects of changing operating conditions.
Follow established operating procedures and safety protocols during testing.
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
Set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot sensors and measurement equipment, including thermocouples, flow meters, pressure transducers, and distance sensors.
Monitor and record experimental data using the test stand's data acquisition and control systems.
Verify data quality, identify measurement anomalies, and maintain organized experimental records.
Support improvements to instrumentation and data collection procedures.
Troubleshooting and Test Stand Improvements
Assist in identifying and resolving operational issues such as particle clogging, inconsistent flow, temperature fluctuations, and sensor malfunctions.
Support mechanical modifications, component replacement, and routine maintenance of the test stand.
Work with engineers to evaluate improvements to gas flow control, particle discharge mechanisms, and test stand reliability.
Help implement and validate improvements to operating procedures and control sequences.
Data Analysis and Reporting
Process and analyze experimental data using Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
Generate plots showing temperature profiles, flow behavior, pressure changes, and system performance.
Compare experimental results across different operating conditions.
Prepare concise technical summaries, test reports, and presentations documenting results and observations.
Maintain accurate test logs and document experimental findings and recommended improvements.

Required Qualifications

Currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline.
Strong interest in hands-on experimental engineering and laboratory testing.
Basic understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic engineering data analysis.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Good problem-solving, troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills.
Willingness to work with experimental hardware in a laboratory environment and follow strict safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience with experimental test stands, laboratory equipment, or engineering research projects.
Experience with thermocouples, pressure sensors, flow meters, valves, or data acquisition systems.
Familiarity with Python, Arduino C#, LabVIEW, or similar software for data processing and automation.
Experience with mechanical assembly, fabrication, or troubleshooting.
Basic understanding of control systems, programmable controllers, or automated test equipment.
Experience with high-temperature equipment, furnaces, granular materials, or gas–solid flow systems.
Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks is a plus.

What You Will Gain

Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting a high-temperature experimental system.
Practical exposure to thermal engineering, fluid mechanics, instrumentation, and control systems.
Experience designing and executing experiments and interpreting real-world engineering data.
Opportunities to work directly with experienced engineers and researchers developing advanced energy storage technology.
Experience contributing to an active R&D program, from experimental testing through analysis and technical reporting.

Compensation

The pay rate for this internship is $30 per hour. Our pay rates are determined by role, level, and location. Within a range, individual pay may vary based on factors including academic level, relevant skills, and experience.

Working at Tempo

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.

Clear, direct communication: 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!
Low-ego helpfulness: You're willing to jump in on work that isn't strictly yours, whether that's helping a teammate debug something, lending a hand in the shop, or flagging an issue you noticed outside your lane. No one here succeeds in a silo.
Intellectual curiosity: You're genuinely interested in how things work, not just your piece of it, but the broader system. Tempo sits at the intersection of chemistry, mechanical engineering, power electronics, and software; the more you understand about the whole, the more valuable you become.
Business awareness: You understand that your work exists in a business context. You think about cost, timeline, and tradeoffs—not just technical elegance—and you make decisions accordingly.
Comfort with ambiguity: Processes here are still being built. You can make progress without a perfect playbook, and you know when to ask for direction versus when to use your judgment and move forward.
Accountability: You own your outcomes, including the misses. When something goes sideways, the instinct here is to fix it and learn from it, not to explain why it wasn't your fault.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Tempo reserves the right to modify, add, or remove responsibilities as business needs evolve. Employees may be asked to perform duties outside of those listed above from time to time. Tempo is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Tempo participates in E-Verify. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check including employment and education check. California Privacy Notice (CCPA) - In connection with your application, Tempo collects personal information that you voluntarily provide, such as your name, contact information, employment history, and other information relevant to your candidacy. This information is collected and used solely for the purpose of evaluating your application and administering the hiring process. Tempo does not sell applicants' personal information. For more information about your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please contact HR. Tempo does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles from external recruiters, staffing agencies, or third-party search firms. Submission of unsolicited resumes by any external agency — whether to a Tempo employee, hiring manager, or any other representative — does not constitute or imply an agreement for placement fees, and Tempo will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited submissions under any circumstances. Any candidate submitted without a prior, fully executed, written fee agreement between the agency and Tempo's Human Resources department will be deemed the sole property of Tempo. Tempo reserves the right to pursue and hire such candidates without obligation to the submitting agency.

R&D Test Engineering Intern (SoFuel)