A 150 m$^$3//hr, 30 kg/cm$^$2/, air-cooled 3-stage reciprocating air compressor is designed to be used in starting large diesel engines of ships. A basic design procedure is presented to meet the targeted pressure and flow rate, and especially a volumetric efficiency of 80%. Temperature and stress analysis of the 1st stage cylinder are performed using axisymmetric FEM modelings. The dynamics of valve system is analyzed and stress at the 1st stage valve seat caused by valve impact is evaluated. To reduce friction loss and wear at the compressor engine system tribological design issues are reviewed and good design practices are suggested. Finally, forced-air pin-type interstage coolers are designed to dissipate generated compression heat at each stage.