Staff Mechanical Engineer - Compressors

Staff Engineer – Mechanical Systems

Location: Benicia, CA (Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

RIX Industries is seeking a highly experienced Staff Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority for the design, development, and long-term performance of complex mechanical components and systems.

In this role, you will operate as a principal individual contributor and technical advisor , providing deep subject-matter expertise, mentorship, and engineering leadership across high-impact programs. You will apply advanced mechanical engineering principles to deliver innovative, reliable, and manufacturable solutions supporting mission-critical applications across Marine, Aerospace, Energy, Industrial, Medical, and Critical Infrastructure markets.

This position is ideal for a seasoned engineer who thrives in technically complex environments, influences design direction, and shapes engineering standards while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design, analysis, and development of complex mechanical components and systems in alignment with technical requirements, regulatory standards, and business objectives
• Develop detailed specifications for new products, enhancements, modifications, and prototypes using advanced engineering judgment and analytical tools
• Select materials, manufacturing processes, and tolerances to ensure product performance, reliability, quality, and manufacturability
• Create and refine mechanical designs using CAD, modeling, and simulation tools
• Communicate complex technical concepts, design intent, and specifications clearly to engineers, managers, and non-technical stakeholders
• Engage directly with customers in technical discussions, including new product blueprinting interviews, translating requirements into executable specifications
• Plan and oversee prototype builds and validation testing to evaluate performance, safety, reliability, and compliance
• Analyze test data, field data, and performance results to identify improvement opportunities and drive design refinements
• Lead root cause analysis and troubleshooting efforts for complex failures or performance gaps; develop and implement corrective actions
• Serve as a technical advisor on high-risk or strategically important projects, influencing engineering decisions and design direction
• Develop analytical “digital twin” models to accelerate product development cycles
• Provide technical mentorship, guidance, and informal coaching to engineers and cross-functional teams
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, processes, and best practices
• Perform other duties in support of RIX’s engineering mission and long-term objectives

Must-Have Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• 15+ years of progressive, relevant mechanical engineering experience
• Demonstrated depth of expertise in a mechanical engineering specialization or industry segment
• Advanced proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and design-for-manufacturability principles
• Proven experience conducting and interpreting prototype and validation testing
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis capabilities
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively
• Experience designing and manufacturing centrifugal and/or reciprocating compressors
• Ability to travel up to 10% as required by business needs
• U.S. Citizenship or qualification as a U.S. Person per 22 CFR 120.15
• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (if required)
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, stretch, and reach
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at desks, tables, machine tools, or printers

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Experience serving as a technical advisor or technical lead on cross-functional initiatives
• Background in regulated or high-reliability manufacturing environments
• Authorship of technical white papers, published articles, or formal technical presentations Patent holder

Who You Are

• A recognized technical authority with deep mechanical engineering expertise
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of solving complex, high-impact technical problems
• A mentor and thought leader who elevates engineering capability across teams
• Comfortable influencing decisions without formal authority
• Collaborative, customer-focused, and able to translate requirements into robust technical solutions
• Motivated by innovation, technical excellence, and long-term product performance

Additional Details

• Base Salary Range: $200,000 - 215,000
• Work Style: Onsite (Benicia, CA)
• Relocation: Available for those that qualify
• Work Environment: Office-based with interaction around machine tools and testing equipment

Benefits:

• PTO and 12 Paid Holidays
• Retirement 401(K) with company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Referral Bonuses and more