Senior Performance Engineer

First Search Inc.; Bloomfield (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston is seeking a Senior Engine Performance Engineer to advance rotary engine development toward production. You will define data needs, guide architecture, design features, and calibration strategies, and perform GT-Power simulations as needed.

You will present findings to stakeholders in clear technical reports and work with cross-functional teams to drive data-driven decisions while balancing risk and timelines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in engine performance development, testing, or calibration.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines; rotary engine experience is a plus.
• Experience developing and executing engine test plans and analyzing performance data.
• Familiarity with GT-Power or similar engine simulation tools.
• Hands-on experience with engine testing equipment and measurement tools.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of data requirements to inform engine architecture, design features, and calibration strategies that meet performance goals.
• Partner with Test Engineers to create and execute test plans that generate critical experimental data.
• Collaborate with Modeling and Simulation Engineers to define and execute simulation plans, review outputs, and incorporate insights into recommendations.
• Perform rough order-of-magnitude analyses and basic GT-Power simulations as needed.
• Own the quality and reliability of test and analysis results, including understanding assumptions and uncertainties.
• Analyze experimental data in detail and present findings, recommendations, and supporting evidence to stakeholders.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports documenting test objectives, results, conclusions, and next steps.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to balance aggressive timelines with risk and uncertainty.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance development processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Follow company policies related to data management, time reporting, IP protection, and compliance.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrate ownership, maintain a positive attitude, and adapt to challenges and setbacks.

Skills

Data analysis

Technical presentations

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GT-Power

Engine testing equipment

Job description

Our client, LiquidPiston is an advanced engine development company focused on revolutionizing internal combustion technology through its innovative rotary engine design. By rethinking traditional engine architecture, LiquidPiston is developing compact, efficient, and high power-density engines for a wide range of applications. The team operates in a fast-paced, engineering-driven environment focused on innovation, collaboration, and bringing cutting-edge technology to production.

Role Overview

As a Senior Engine Performance Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing the development of LiquidPiston’s rotary engines toward production. Working closely with Chief Engineers, Design Engineers, and cross-functional teams, you will help define the data needed to guide engine architecture, design features, and calibration strategies. You will develop and execute test and analysis plans in collaboration with Test and Simulation Engineers, while occasionally performing high-level analyses or basic GT-Power simulations to support decision-making.

This role is heavily focused on data analysis and insight generation. You will review and interpret large datasets, draw conclusions, and make data-driven recommendations to stakeholders through presentations and detailed technical reports. You will also collaborate with Modeling and Simulation teams to integrate analytical results into your recommendations, while contributing to continuous improvement efforts that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of engine performance development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of the data required to inform engine architecture, design features, and calibration strategies that meet performance goals
• Partner with Test Engineers to create and execute test plans that generate critical experimental data
• Collaborate with Modeling and Simulation Engineers to define and execute simulation plans. Review analytical outputs and incorporate insights into recommendations
• Perform rough order-of-magnitude analyses and basic GT-Power simulations as needed
• Take ownership of the quality and reliability of test and analysis results, including understanding assumptions and uncertainties
• Analyze experimental data in detail and present findings, recommendations, and supporting evidence to stakeholders
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports documenting test objectives, results, conclusions, and next steps
• Apply sound engineering judgment to balance aggressive timelines with risk and uncertainty
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance development processes
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Follow company policies related to data management, time reporting, IP protection, and compliance
• Communicate clearly and professionally with cross-functional teams
• Demonstrate ownership, maintain a positive and open-minded attitude, and adapt effectively to challenges and setbacks

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in engine performance development, testing, or calibration
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines (rotary engine experience is a plus)
• Experience developing and executing engine test plans and analyzing performance data
• Familiarity with engine simulation tools such as GT-Power (or similar)
• Hands-on experience with engine testing equipment and measurement tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets
• Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams, including test and simulation
• Ability to clearly communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience in an R&D or prototype environment is highly preferred
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and a proactive, ownership-driven mindset