Job Ref: # 7918021
Date Posted: 2/10/2026
Location: Benicia, CA
Salary (USD): $160,000 - $180,000
Description
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: $160,000 – $180,000
- 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
Job Posting
