Staff Engineer, Mechanical Systems

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.

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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
• Base Salary Range: $160,000 – $180,000
• Relocation:
  Available for those that qualify
• Work Environment:
  Office‑based with interaction around machine tools and testing equipment