Engine Performance Intern - Hands-on Testing & Data (Spring 2027)

Liquidpiston; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston in Suffield, CT, is offering an Engine Performance Intern for Spring 2027. You won't just observe; you'll run experiments, analyze data, and contribute to testing and performance improvements on real engine development.

You'll work with experienced engineers in a lab environment, form hypotheses, test, analyze results, adjust and re-test, gaining hands-on experience in internal combustion engines, propulsion, and experimental engineering.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, Automotive, or related field.
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and/or combustion.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to investigate unexpected test results and answer 'Why did this happen?'
• Hands-on in a laboratory or test environment.
• Ability to work onsite five days per week
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Collaborative while owning assigned work
• Genuine interest in engines, propulsion, power systems, or experimental engineering

Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, execute, and monitor engine performance tests in lab/test cell environments.
• Apply AI tools to assist test data processing and test planning.
• Analyze engine test data for power, torque, fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, emissions.
• Identify performance issues and investigate the underlying causes using test data and engineering fundamentals.
• Support engine calibration and optimization by evaluating operating parameters and test results.
• Develop MATLAB, Python, Excel, or other tools to process, analyze, and visualize large sets of engine data.
• Assist with instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition systems, and test equipment.
• Help troubleshoot test setups and unexpected engine behavior.
• Work with design, controls, simulation, and test engineers to connect test results to design and development decisions.
• Participate in technical discussions and design reviews and contribute engineering recommendations.
• Document test procedures, results, analysis, and technical findings.
• Support iterative development as test results drive changes to the engine and its operating strategy.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Combustion fundamentals

Analytical thinking

Lab testing

MATLAB

Python

Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

LabVIEW

Excel

Data acquisition systems

Dynamometers

Job description

LiquidPiston in Suffield, CT, is offering an Engine Performance Intern for Spring 2027. You won't just observe; you'll run experiments, analyze data, and contribute to testing and performance improvements on real engine development.

You'll work with experienced engineers in a lab environment, form hypotheses, test, analyze results, adjust and re-test, gaining hands-on experience in internal combustion engines, propulsion, and experimental engineering.