Engine Materials & Coatings Metallurgical Engineer

LiquidPiston, Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

Equity RSUs for all permanent staff

401(k) with match: 100% up to 3%, plus

Growth opportunities

Job summary

LiquidPiston, Inc. is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer to lead materials-focused efforts supporting engine design, development, and testing. This hands-on role targets durability and manufacturability of components operating under extreme stresses.

You will guide material selection, implement surface treatments and coatings, oversee the metallurgy lab, and collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to drive innovative solutions for high-performance engines.

Qualifications

• MS or higher in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in materials selection, processing, and testing.
• Expertise with metallic materials such as aluminum, steel, magnesium, titanium, and MMCs.
• Strong knowledge of tribology, fatigue analysis, and failure mechanisms relevant to mechanical systems and engines.
• Familiarity with thermal barriers, welding, and joining technologies for dissimilar metals.

Responsibilities

• Guide materials selection and processing for high-performance engine components, including rotating and reciprocating parts.
• Evaluate and implement surface treatments, coatings (PVD/CVD, HVOF, plating), and thermal barrier solutions.
• Lead tribological analysis and make recommendations for improving wear resistance in lubricated engine environments.
• Oversee and maintain the metallurgy lab, including heat-treat ovens, hardness testers, microscopes, and wear testing equipment.
• Support engine test programs through inspection, failure analysis, and post-test component evaluation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external specialists to solve material challenges.
• Act as the primary technical contact for raw material and coating suppliers.
• Create and enforce standardized procedures for material selection, treatment, and documentation.
• Present findings and recommendations to technical and executive teams.
• Contribute to R&D by evaluating new material solutions that enhance performance and manufacturability.

Skills

Materials selection

Tribology

Fatigue analysis

Surface treatments

Coatings

Metallurgy lab oversight

Education

MS or higher in Materials Science / Metallurgical Eng

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

MATLAB

Heat-treat equipment

Job description

LiquidPiston, Inc. is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer to lead materials-focused efforts supporting engine design, development, and testing. This hands-on role targets durability and manufacturability of components operating under extreme stresses.

You will guide material selection, implement surface treatments and coatings, oversee the metallurgy lab, and collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to drive innovative solutions for high-performance engines.