Mechanical Design Engineer

First Search Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

First Search Inc., partnering with LiquidPiston, is seeking a Skunkworks Engineer to join its core engine development team. This hands-on role spans concept to prototype, testing, failure analysis, and redesign, with direct collaboration with hardware builders.

You will design rotary and piston components, create CAD models, perform FEA, and collaborate across manufacturing. A strong background in mechanical engineering, CAD, GD&T, and prototype development is required for a fast-paced R&D

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong 3D CAD experience, SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience with structural, stress, and thermal FEA.
• Knowledge of GD&T and metrology.
• Hands-on prototype development and validation.
• Experience with engine durability testing.
• Understanding of DFM and DFA principles.
• Knowledge of machining processes and manufacturing requirements.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

GD&T

Metrology

FEA

Prototype validation

Root-cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Design reviews

DFM

DFA

R&D in fast-paced

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

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