Metal Additive Manufacturing Designer/Modeler

LiquidPiston, Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Comprehensive healthcare

Equity participation

401(k) with match

Growth opportunities

Job summary

LiquidPiston, Inc. seeks a Metal Additive Manufacturing Designer/Modeler to join our R&D team in Bloomfield, CT.

The role combines simulation, design, and direct manufacturing work to push the performance and weight targets of next‑gen rotary engines through topology optimization and AM processes. You will develop solid models, run FEA/CFD analyses, and validate designs with additive builds, collaborating with mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing engineers.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in product design, simulation, and/or manufacturing.
• Expertise in additive manufacturing methods (e.g., DMLS, SLS, Binder Jetting).
• Proficiency in topology optimization tools (nTop preferred) for structural, thermal, and fluid systems.
• Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks or equivalent).
• Simulation experience with ANSYS or similar FEA/thermal software.
• Deep understanding of materials science, especially metallurgy as it pertains to AM.

Responsibilities

• Apply topology optimization and AM methods to design lightweight, high-performance engine components.
• Use nTop or similar software to optimize structural, thermal, and fluid features.
• Develop and refine solid models and assemblies tailored for AM processes.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing engineers to integrate optimized parts into complete engine systems.
• Analyze designs using simulations (FEA, CFD, thermal) and correlate with physical test data.
• Oversee additive builds from design validation through manufacturing and post-processing.
• Innovate new design approaches to improve performance, reduce weight, and streamline manufacturing.
• Support engine testing and contribute insights based on material behavior and part performance.
• Maintain clear documentation, share findings in presentations, and contribute to design reviews.
• Uphold a proactive, problem-solving mindset with a collaborative and resilient approach to technical challenges.

Skills

Design & simulation experience

Independent problem solving

Education

BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

nTop

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

Metal Additive Manufacturing Designer/Modeler

Metal Additive Manufacturing Designer/Modeler

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, Inc. is reinventing the internal combustion engine. Our patented thermodynamic cycle and compact rotary engine architecture are designed to deliver significantly higher efficiency and power density than traditional engines. We're applying cutting-edge engineering-including additive manufacturing and advanced optimization tools to shape the future of propulsion and portable power.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a talented Engineer with a strong background in Additive Manufacturing and Topology Optimization to join our R&D team. In this role, you'll be responsible for transforming next-generation rotary engine designs through advanced computational design methods and manufacturing technologies. You'll work at the intersection of simulation, design, and manufacturing to push performance and efficiency beyond traditional boundaries. This is a hands-on, high-impact position with opportunities to invent, iterate, and deliver real-world solutions in a fast-paced development environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply topology optimization and additive manufacturing (AM) methods to design lightweight, high-performance engine components
• Use nTop (preferred) or similar software to optimize structural, thermal, and fluid-related features
• Develop and refine solid models and assemblies tailored for AM processes
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing engineers to integrate optimized parts into complete engine systems
• Analyze designs using simulations (FEA, CFD, thermal) and correlate with physical test data
• Oversee additive builds from design validation through manufacturing and post-processing
• Innovate new design approaches to improve performance, reduce weight, and streamline manufacturing
• Support engine testing and contribute insights based on material behavior and part performance
• Maintain clear documentation, share findings in presentations, and contribute to design reviews
• Uphold a proactive, problem-solving mindset with a collaborative and resilient approach to technical challenges

Required Qualifications:

• BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 3+ years of professional experience in product design, simulation, and/or manufacturing
• Expertise in additive manufacturing methods (e.g., DMLS, SLS, Binder Jetting, etc.)
• Proficiency in topology optimization tools (nTop preferred) for structural, thermal, and fluid systems
• Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks or equivalent)
• Simulation experience with ANSYS or similar FEA/thermal software
• Deep understanding of materials science, especially metallurgy as it pertains to AM
• Proven ability to work independently and solve complex, cross-disciplinary problems

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with internal combustion engines, compressors, or advanced thermodynamic systems
• Knowledge of GT-Suite, MATLAB, Python, or other engineering simulation/scripting tools
• Experience in a prototype or R&D environment
• Strong written communication skills, including proposal and technical report writing
• Familiarity with quality control and inspection processes for additive parts

Benefits:

• Flexible PTO to encourage work-life balance and personal well-being
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage: medical, dental, and vision plans
• Equity participation : RSUs for all permanent employees
• 401(k) with match : 100% up to 3%, plus 50% match for 3-5% range
• Growth opportunities : Mentorship, training, and leadership development

Our Culture

At LiquidPiston, we challenge convention and solve hard problems. We move fast, think boldly, and iterate quickly. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and resilience. We take calculated risks and believe that every setback is a steppingstone toward breakthrough innovation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.