Engine Performance Technician - Engine Testing

LiquidPiston Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Comprehensive health coverage

Equity participation

401(k) match

Ongoing training and mentorship

Job summary

LiquidPiston Inc. is seeking an Engine Performance Technician to support testing and performance development in their facility. This role involves setting up, operating, and troubleshooting engine performance test cells.

Ideal candidates have a strong understanding of internal combustion engines and experience with testing and data acquisition systems. The position offers flexible PTO, comprehensive health benefits, and equity participation.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in engine testing or R&D environment.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, assemble electrical harnesses, and diagnose electrical issues.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot engine performance test cells.
• Execute test plans involving durability testing and performance mapping.
• Assist with engine performance calibration and control software development.

Skills

Understanding of internal combustion engine fundamentals

Experience with engine testing, dynamometers, or engine test cell operations

Familiarity with ECU communication protocols such as CAN or XCP

Experience with Matlab, Simulink, and Python for data analysis or controls work

Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on problem‑solving skills

Tools

High-speed data acquisition systems

PLC logic programming

Job description

Engine Performance Technician - Engine Testing

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 developing advanced rotary engines that are compact, efficient, and capable of running on multiple fuels. Our team is pioneering next‑generation combustion technology used in applications from drones to generators to defense systems. We are seeking a hands‑on Engine Performance Technician to support engine testing, calibration, and performance development in our state‑of‑the‑art test facilities.

Position Summary

The Engine Performance Technician will work closely with engineers to execute engine tests, collect and analyze data, configure instrumentation, and support control system and calibration development. This role is ideal for individuals with strong fundamentals in internal combustion engines, test cell operation, and engine data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot engine performance test cells for prototype and production engines.
• Execute test plans involving durability testing, performance mapping, emissions measurement, and transient testing.
• Assist with engine performance calibration, including feed‑forward and closed‑loop control strategies.
• Perform mechanical setup, fixturing, and instrumentation of engines and test rigs.
• Install and configure instrumentation to measure flow, temperatures, pressures, loads, and other performance‑related parameters, including flow meters, thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, load cells, and strain gauges.
• Operate and troubleshoot high‑speed data acquisition systems for combustion and performance data collection.
• Validate sensor accuracy, wiring integrity, and signal quality.
• Support development and implementation of ECU communication protocols such as CAN and XCP.
• Assist in control software development and controller configuration.
• Perform PID control tuning for actuators, fuel systems, airflow systems, and thermal control systems.
• Use Matlab, Simulink, and Python for data analysis, test automation, and model‑based development tasks.
• Support PLC logic development for test cell automation, interlocks, and safety systems.

Requirements

• Understanding of internal combustion engine fundamentals, including thermodynamics, combustion, performance metrics, fueling, and air handling.
• Experience with engine testing, dynamometers, or engine test cell operations.
• Familiarity with ECU communication protocols such as CAN or XCP.
• Experience with Matlab, Simulink, and Python for data analysis or controls work.
• Ability to configure and troubleshoot engine instrumentation and high‑speed data acquisition systems.Understanding of control systems and PID tuning.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, assemble electrical harnesses, and diagnose electrical issues.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with PLC logic programming and automated test systems (preferred).
• Experience with model‑based calibration workflows or engine control development (preferred).
• Experience working with prototype engines, R&D test environments, or advanced combustion systems (preferred).
• Knowledge of safety practices for fuel systems and rotating machinery.

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible PTO: We value work‑life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
• We value work‑life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge. Our benefits include 3 weeks of PTO (which covers vacation and sick time) plus 10 paid holidays.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage – you choose what works best for you.
• Equity Participation: Employees may receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
• 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5% after 1 year of employment.
• 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 as we move forward.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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