Mechanical Design Engineer

First Search Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

First Search Inc. is partnering with LiquidPiston to hire a Skunkworks Engineer for its core engine development team in a highly hands-on role. You’ll move concepts from CAD through prototyping, testing, and failure analysis, working directly with hardware builders.

The role emphasizes rapid iteration, GD&T and metrology, and close collaboration with manufacturing and test teams to deliver practical, manufacturable engine components.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong CAD experience with design for manufacturability.
• Experience in structural, stress, and thermal FEA and GD&T.
• Hands-on prototype development and validation experience.
• Experience in engine or mechanical systems teardown and testing.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop rotary and piston engine components.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings.
• Perform structural, stress, and thermal FEA to evaluate strength and durability.
• Work directly with technicians and manufacturing partners on prototypes.
• Participate in engine assembly, troubleshooting, teardown, and development.
• Investigate failures and conduct root-cause analysis.
• Interpret test results and drive design improvements.
• Engage in design reviews and make recommendations based on data.
• Apply GD&T and metrology to support design and evaluation.
• Incorporate DFM and DFA principles for manufacturable designs.
• Consider machining processes, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing needs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, test, controls, quality, and other teams.
• Manage multiple priorities as testing and development evolve.
• Take ownership from concept through prototype, testing, and final solution.

Skills

3D CAD

Troubleshooting

Engineering problem solving

Prototype development

FEA (structural, thermal)

GD&T

DFM and DFA

Rapid iteration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

Job description

First Search is partnering with LiquidPiston to hire a Skunkworks Engineer to join its core engine development team. LiquidPiston is reinventing the internal combustion engine through its patented thermodynamic cycle and novel rotary engine architecture. The company is developing compact, high-efficiency engines for demanding aerospace, defense, and commercial applications.

This is a highly hands-on engineering role for someone who wants to do more than design components behind a computer. You’ll take engineering problems from concept and CAD through prototyping, testing, failure analysis, and redesign—and work directly with the people building and testing the hardware.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop critical rotary and piston engine components
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings
• Perform structural, stress, and thermal FEA to evaluate component strength, durability, and performance
• Work directly with technicians and manufacturing partners during prototype builds
• Participate hands-on in engine assembly, troubleshooting, teardown, and development
• Investigate component and system failures and perform root-cause analysis
• Interpret engine test results and use real-world data to drive design improvements
• Participate in design reviews and make recommendations based on analysis and testing
• Apply GD&T and use metrology principles to support component design and evaluation
• Apply DFM and DFA principles to develop practical, manufacturable designs
• Consider machining processes, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing requirements throughout the design process
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, test, controls, quality, and other engineering teams
• Manage multiple engineering priorities as testing and development needs change
• Take ownership of engineering problems from initial concept through prototype, testing, failure analysis, and final solution

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD; SolidWorks is preferred, although CATIA, NX, or similar platforms will be considered
• Experience performing structural, stress, and thermal FEA
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and metrology
• Experience with prototype development and validation
• Understanding of engine durability testing and failure-analysis methods
• Experience with mechanical or engine assembly techniques and processes
• Strong understanding of DFM and DFA principles
• Knowledge of machining processes and manufacturing requirements
• Strong mechanical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to move quickly from identifying a problem to developing and testing a practical solution
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly iterative R&D environment

Preferred Experience:

• Materials science and material selection for high-performance mechanical components
• Vibration analysis and NVH
• Lubrication systems, oil flow, and bearing analysis
• Cooling systems and thermal management
• Intake and exhaust system design
• Engine dynamometer testing and test-data interpretation
• Hands-on troubleshooting of complex mechanical systems
• Experience in an R&D, startup, Skunkworks, motorsports, aerospace, or similarly fast-moving development environment