Engine Performance Engineer

LiquidPiston Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Equity Participation

401(k) Match

Ongoing training and mentorship

Job summary

LiquidPiston Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer – Performance & Calibration to join their team in Bloomfield, CT, relocating to Suffield in 2026. This full-time role focuses on engine performance development and calibration strategies for their innovative rotary engines, requiring strong skills in thermodynamics and engine efficiency.

The position offers comprehensive health benefits, equity participation, and a 401(k) match, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.

Qualifications

• Strong grasp of thermodynamics, physics, combustion, and engine efficiency principles.
• Demonstrated engine testing and calibration experience.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and scripting languages.

Responsibilities

• Perform engine calibration to meet targets for power and efficiency.
• Document and communicate results clearly.
• Collaborate with teams on engine improvements.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Physics

Combustion principles

Engine efficiency

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD or MS in Mechanical Engineering

BS with relevant experience

Tools

MATLAB

CAN communication tools

Python

GT Power

CONVERGE

ANSYS Fluent

Job description

Senior Engineer - Performance & Calibration

This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the company will be relocating to Suffield, CT later in 2026.

About LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston is redefining the internal combustion engine through its innovative rotary X-engine architecture. Our mission is to deliver compact, fuel-efficient, high power-density engines for a wide range of applications. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer – Performance & Calibration to help bring our advanced rotary engines to production.

Position Summary

As Senior Engineer – Performance & Calibration you will be a key contributor to engine performance development activities aimed at bringing LiquidPiston’s rotary engines to production. You will work closely within a team of Test Engineers, Technicians, and Performance Engineers as you develop engine calibration strategies and methodologies to meet performance targets. In addition, you will collaborate with Chief Engineers, Design Engineers, and other cross-functional team members to help define critical data and insights needed to inform engine architecture and design decisions.

A broad range of experience and skills, along with the ability to adapt quickly from one task to another, will be essential for success. This role places strong emphasis on engine calibration supported by deep knowledge of engine performance, efficiency, testing, and data analysis. The position requires a solid foundation in thermal sciences and engineering principles, and the ability to work collaboratively with analysts using tools such as GT Power and combustion CFD platforms. You will also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of simulation and development work.

Responsibilities

• Perform engine calibration to meet targets for power, efficiency, emissions, transient response, and off-nominal operating conditions.
• Develop efficient processes and methods for engine calibration tailored to the rotary X-engine platform.
• Document and communicate results of calibration efforts clearly and effectively.
• Design and execute engine test plans for performance development, including analysis and reporting of results.
• Collaborate with analysts running GT Power, combustion CFD, or other simulation tools to support holistic, model-based development approaches.
• Work closely with cross-functional design and test teams to drive engine improvements and support design decisions.
• Develop and follow standardized test and calibration procedures specific to LiquidPiston’s engine architecture.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts that enhance testing efficiency, simulation accuracy, and overall development effectiveness.
• Stay current with emerging engine technologies, calibration strategies, and simulation tools through self-directed learning and formal training.

Requirements

• PhD or MS in Mechanical Engineering (BS with significant relevant experience will also be considered).
• Strong grasp of thermodynamics, physics, combustion, and engine efficiency principles.
• Demonstrated engine testing and calibration experience.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, CAN communication tools, Python, or other scripting languages.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong team player with the ability to be self-directed in a fast-paced development environment.

Beneficial

• Experience with simulation tools including GT Power, CONVERGE, and ANSYS Fluent.
• Familiarity with optimization methods, especially as applied to engine development and calibration.

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible PTO: We value work-life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. You choose what works best for you.
• Equity Participation: Permanent employees receive RSUs to share in our success.
• 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5%.
• Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.

Our Culture

At LiquidPiston, we embrace challenges, move fast, and celebrate curiosity. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. We understand that innovation involves risk and we’re not afraid to fail forward.

Equal Opportunity Employer

LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.