Hands-On Engine Performance Intern, Spring 2027

LiquidPiston, Inc.; Suffield (CT); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston, Inc. is offering an Engine Performance Intern position for Spring 2027 in Suffield, CT. This paid internship will immerse you in hands-on engine development and testing in a real-world lab environment.

You will work with experienced engineers to run experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot results, and determine next steps to improve engine performance. You will gain experience in planning tests, processing data with MATLAB/Python/Excel, and connecting results to design decisions.

Qualifications

• Strong academic foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and/or combustion.
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working hands-on in a laboratory or test environment.

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

Analytical thinking

Hands-on lab work

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Onsite work

Education

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

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Excel

LabVIEW

Simulink

Job description

LiquidPiston, Inc. is offering an Engine Performance Intern position for Spring 2027 in Suffield, CT. This paid internship will immerse you in hands-on engine development and testing in a real-world lab environment.

You will work with experienced engineers to run experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot results, and determine next steps to improve engine performance. You will gain experience in planning tests, processing data with MATLAB/Python/Excel, and connecting results to design decisions.