Staff Engineer

Hirenexus; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Hirenexus is seeking a Staff Engineer to act as the technical expert for compressor design. Lead design, analysis, and development of compressor systems for defense and commercial customers, while mentoring engineers and guiding high-risk programs from concept to production.

This senior role requires hands-on engineering leadership, deep knowledge of compressor technologies, and the ability to translate customer needs into robust product specifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in design, manufacture, and customization of compressor systems.
• Deep expertise in at least one compressor type (reciprocating, centrifugal, or screw).
• Solid understanding of thermodynamics, bearings, seals, valves, cylinders, rotors, and related components.
• Track record of taking designs from concept to production, with testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and development of mechanical components and compressor systems to meet requirements.
• Develop detailed specifications for new products and prototypes.
• Select materials, processes, and tolerances for performance and manufacturability.
• Use CAD, modeling and simulation tools to improve designs.
• Interface with customers to translate needs into specifications.
• Plan prototype builds and testing; drive improvements from data.
• Lead root-cause analysis on failures and drive corrective actions.
• Build analytical digital twin models to speed development.
• Mentor engineers and cross-functional teams on high-impact projects.
• Help develop and improve engineering standards and practices.

Skills

Mechanical design

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Customer interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Engineering analysis tools

Job description

Our client is a long-established engineering and manufacturing company. It designs and builds precision compressor systems and related technologies for critical uses in defense, aerospace, marine, energy, industrial, and medical markets. Its products go into some of the most demanding applications in the world, and it is investing in new product development to grow.

The Role

The Staff Engineer is a senior individual contributor and the company’s go-to technical expert on compressor design. You’ll lead the design, analysis, and development of compressors and compressor systems for defense and commercial customers. You’ll also mentor other engineers and shape design direction on the company’s most important and highest-risk programs. This role suits a hands‑on engineer who wants to stay technical, own hard problems, and build products from concept through production.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design, analysis, and development of mechanical components and compressor systems that meet technical, regulatory, and business requirements
• Develop detailed specifications for new products, enhancements, modifications, and prototypes
• Select materials, manufacturing processes, and tolerances for performance, reliability, and manufacturability
• Use CAD, modeling, and simulation tools to develop and improve designs
• Work directly with customers in technical discussions and requirements sessions, and turn their needs into product specifications
• Plan and oversee prototype builds and testing, then use test and field data to drive design improvements
• Lead root cause analysis on complex mechanical failures and performance issues, and develop robust corrective actions
• Build analytical "digital twin" models that speed up product development
• Mentor engineers and cross‑functional teams, and act as a technical advisor on high‑impact projects
• Help develop and improve engineering standards and best practices

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• 15+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in the design, manufacture, and customization of compressor systems
• Deep expertise in at least one of reciprocating, centrifugal, or screw compressors. Reciprocating and high‑pressure experience is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of compressor thermodynamics, compression mechanisms, bearings, seals, valves, cylinders, rotors and cranktrains, vibration, fatigue, and pressure‑containing components
• A track record of new product development from concept through production
• Advanced proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools
• Strong grasp of materials, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturability
• Proven experience running and interpreting prototype and validation testing
• Ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to engineers, leaders, and customers
• Willingness to travel about 10% of the time

Nice to Have

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Experience as a technical lead or advisor on cross‑functional initiatives
• Background in regulated or high‑reliability manufacturing (defense, aerospace, or similar)
• Published white papers or technical presentations

Requirements

This position requires U.S. citizenship or qualified U.S. Person status under ITAR (22 CFR 120.15), and may require the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance. The role includes regular work on the shop floor and in the test area, and requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.