Simulation Engineering Intern - Spring 2027 | LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston, Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

LiquidPiston, Inc. is seeking a Simulation Engineering Intern for Spring 2027 to join our Bloomfield, CT team onsite. You will work with engineers on propulsion development problems, using modeling, simulation, and data analysis to guide design decisions and support physical testing.

You’ll evaluate engine performance and system behavior across operating conditions, develop automated workflows, and document findings for design reviews as part of a multidisciplinary effort.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Interest in engineering simulation, modeling, and analysis.
• Solid foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, or structural mechanics.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills.
• Willing to learn new tools and technologies and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and run simulation models for engine performance, thermal, structural, fluid, and system-level analyses.
• Analyze simulation results to identify trends, performance drivers, and potential design improvements.
• Support modeling of engine and propulsion system behavior under varying conditions.
• Assist with evaluating design concepts and engineering tradeoffs.
• Compare simulations to experimental data and validate models.
• Work with test engineers to understand discrepancies between predicted and measured results.
• Automate simulation workflows and develop data processing tools.
• Document methods, results, and conclusions for technical reviews.

Skills

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Data analysis

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

MATLAB/Simulink

GT-Power

COMSOL

Abaqus

STAR-CCM+

Fluent

Job description

Simulation Engineering Intern - Spring 2027 | LiquidPiston

Location: Bloomfield, CT
Schedule: Full-time, onsite 5 days per week
Employment Type: Spring 2027 Internship
Compensation: Paid internship
Relocation: Relocation assistance is not available

Why LiquidPiston?

What if you could use simulation and analysis to help develop an entirely new type of engine?
LiquidPiston is an advanced technology company developing compact, high-performance rotary engines based on a novel thermodynamic cycle. Our technology is being developed for demanding applications across defense, aerospace, and commercial markets.
As a Simulation Engineering Intern, you won’t just be observing engineering work - you’ll contribute to it. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers on real propulsion development problems, using modeling, simulation, and data analysis to help guide design decisions and support physical testing.
This is an opportunity to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to technology that is being actively developed and tested. You’ll work in a fast-paced R&D environment alongside mechanical, combustion, controls, and test engineers and gain exposure to the full engineering development process.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a motivated engineering student who enjoys solving complex problems and wants hands‑on experience with simulation and analysis.
You’ll help evaluate engine performance, thermal behavior, structural integrity, fluid dynamics, and system‑level interactions. Your work will help the engineering team understand how designs perform, identify opportunities for improvement, and make better decisions before and during physical testing.
The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, detail‑oriented, and excited to learn. You don’t need to know everything coming in — we’re looking for someone who can think through problems, learn quickly, and apply engineering fundamentals to real‑world challenges.

What You’ll Work On

Simulation & Analysis

• Develop and run simulation models supporting engine performance, thermal, structural, fluid, and system‑level analyses.
• Analyze simulation results to identify trends, performance drivers, and potential design improvements.
• Support modeling of engine and propulsion system behavior across different operating conditions.
• Assist with evaluating design concepts and engineering tradeoffs.

Correlation & Testing

• Compare simulation results against experimental and test data.
• Support validation and improvement of simulation models.
• Work with test engineers to understand discrepancies between predicted and measured results.
• Use test data to improve the accuracy and usefulness of engineering models.

Engineering Tools & Automation

• Assist with automating simulation workflows and repetitive engineering tasks.
• Develop tools for data processing, analysis, visualization, and reporting.
• Work with large datasets to identify trends and communicate meaningful engineering insights.
• Improve existing analysis processes and workflows.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Work with mechanical, combustion, controls, and test engineers on multidisciplinary projects.
• Document modeling methods, assumptions, results, and conclusions.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and other engineering documentation.
• Support design reviews and engineering decisions with simulation‑based analysis.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong interest in engineering simulation, modeling, and analysis.
• Solid foundation in engineering fundamentals such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, or structural mechanics.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Curious and eager to learn new engineering tools and technologies.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to work carefully with technical data.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Requirements

• Must be available to work full‑time onsite in Bloomfield, CT, 5 days per week during Spring 2027.
• Experience with at least one engineering simulation or analysis tool such as ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, GT‑Power, COMSOL, Abaqus, STAR-CCM+, Fluent, or similar software.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C++, or a similar language.
• Ability to analyze and interpret simulation or engineering data.
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly through written documentation and presentations.
• Must understand fundamental operating principles of internal combustion engines.

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, drug screening and credit check.