Hands-On Engine Performance Intern (Spring 2027)

LiquidPiston, Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston, Inc. in Suffield, CT, seeks an Engine Performance Intern for Spring 2027. This paid, full-time internship offers hands-on engine testing experience with a team of engineers shaping the performance of cutting-edge rotary engines.

You’ll run experiments, collect data, and contribute to optimization efforts directly in the lab. The role targets students in Mechanical/Aerospace/Automotive Engineering with a strong thermodynamics and combustion foundation, who enjoy problem-solving,

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering field
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and/or combustion
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret unexpected test results and reason through causes
• Comfortable working hands-on in a lab or test environment
• Ability to work onsite five days per week
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate while taking ownership of assigned work
• Genuine interest in engines, propulsion, power systems, or experimental engineering

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, setting up, executing, and monitoring engine performance tests in laboratory and test cell environments
• Apply AI tools to assist with test data processing and test planning
• Analyze real engine test data to evaluate power, torque, fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, combustion behavior, temperatures, pressures, and emissions
• Help identify performance issues and investigate 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

MATLAB

Python

Excel

LabVIEW

Simulink

Internal combustion engines

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical/Aerospace/Automotive Engineering

Tools

Engine dynamometers

Data acquisition systems

Job description

LiquidPiston, Inc. in Suffield, CT, seeks an Engine Performance Intern for Spring 2027. This paid, full-time internship offers hands-on engine testing experience with a team of engineers shaping the performance of cutting-edge rotary engines.

You’ll run experiments, collect data, and contribute to optimization efforts directly in the lab. The role targets students in Mechanical/Aerospace/Automotive Engineering with a strong thermodynamics and combustion foundation, who enjoy problem-solving,