Skunkwerks Engineer - LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston, Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; 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 hands-on Skunkwerks Engineer in Suffield, CT to advance design from concept through prototype, test, and iteration. You will work closely with hardware builders, contribute to rotary and piston engine components, and drive rapid development in a cross-functional team.

The role emphasizes practical, manufacturable designs, direct test feedback, and a strong emphasis on DFM and DFA. Onsite work five days per week with a culture of innovation and fast decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• CAD proficiency with SolidWorks; CATIA or NX also acceptable.
• Experience with FEA for structural, stress, and thermal analysis.
• Proficiency in GD&T and metrology tools.
• Experience with engine prototype development and validation.
• Knowledge of DFM and DFA.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration in fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop critical engine components.
• Develop CAD models and drawings.
• Perform structural, thermal analyses.
• Support prototype builds and assembly.
• Engage in engine testing, teardown, and redesign.
• Participate in design reviews and failure investigations.
• Use test data to drive iterative improvements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and QA teams.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD modeling

FEA analysis

GD&T

Prototype development

DFM

Engine assembly

Cross-functional

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

Job description

Skunkwerks Engineer - LiquidPiston

This role is fully onsite in Suffield, CT, five days per week.

Why LiquidPiston?

At LiquidPiston, you won’t be one engineer among hundreds working on a small piece of an established product. You’ll be part of a lean engineering team working on technology that is still being invented. Your work can move quickly from an idea to a drawing, from a drawing to a prototype, and from a prototype to a running engine. You’ll see the results of your engineering decisions firsthand and have the opportunity to influence the direction of the technology.

The problems are difficult. The timelines are ambitious. The answers aren’t always obvious. That’s exactly what makes the work exciting. If you enjoy figuring out why something failed, building a better solution, testing it, and trying again, you’ll fit right in.

About LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston, Inc. is a technology startup reinventing the internal combustion engine through a patented thermodynamic cycle and novel rotary architecture. Our compact, high-efficiency engines are being developed for demanding applications across defense, aerospace, and commercial markets.

As part of the LiquidPiston team, you’ll work alongside engineers, technicians, and technical leaders who are pushing the boundaries of propulsion technology. This is an opportunity to work on something fundamentally different - not simply optimize an existing engine but help develop an entirely new approach to engine design.

Position Overview

LiquidPiston is seeking a hands‑on, detail-oriented Engine Design & Development Engineer to join our core Skunkworks team. This is a highly hands‑on engineering role for someone who wants to be close to the hardware and involved throughout the development process. You’ll contribute to the design and development of rotary and piston engine components, taking ideas from concept and CAD through prototyping, testing, failure analysis, and redesign.

You won’t be handing off your designs and waiting months to see what happens. You’ll work directly with the people building and testing the hardware, learn from what happens on the test stand, and use that information to make the next iteration better.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop critical engine components.


• Develop detailed CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms.


• Conduct structural, thermal and analysis to evaluate component strength, durability, and performance.


• Support prototype builds and work directly with assembly technicians and manufacturing partners.


• Participate hands‑on in engine assembly, troubleshooting, teardown, and development activities.


• Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, root-cause analysis, and interpretation of test results.


• Use test data and real‑world hardware feedback to drive iterative design improvements.


• Apply DFM and DFA principles to create practical, manufacturable designs.


• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, testing, controls, quality, and other engineering teams to solve problems and keep development moving.


• Balance multiple engineering priorities and adapt quickly as testing and development priorities change.


• Take ownership of problems from initial concept through prototype, test, failure analysis, and final solution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.


• Proficiency with CAD software; SolidWorks preferred, with CATIA, NX, or similar experience also considered.


• Experience performing FEA for structural, stress, and thermal analysis of engine components.


• Proficiency with GD&T and metrology tools.


• Understanding of engine durability testing and failure analysis methods.


• Experience with engine prototype development and validation.


• Experience with engine assembly techniques and processes.


• Strong understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA).


• Understanding of engine design standards, engineering principles, and best practices.


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional engineering environment.


• Experience with machining processes and manufacturing requirements.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and move quickly from problem identification to practical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong foundation in materials science and material selection for high‑performance engine components.


• Knowledge of vibration analysis and NVH principles.


• Experience with lubrication system design, oil flow, and bearing analysis.


• Understanding of cooling system design and thermal management.


• Experience with intake and exhaust system design.


• Experience with engine dynamometer testing and test data interpretation.


• Experience working in an R&D, startup, skunkworks, or highly iterative product development environment.


• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting mechanical systems and developing solutions based on test results.

What You’ll Experience

• Work on unconventional engine technology that challenges traditional approaches to internal combustion.


• See your designs become physical hardware and running engines.


• Work directly with experienced engineers and technicians rather than being siloed into a narrow function.


• Solve challenging problems where there may not be an established playbook.


• Have a meaningful voice in design decisions and technical direction.


• Move quickly through the design-build-test-learn cycle.


• Build technology with applications across defense, aerospace, and commercial markets.


• Grow with a company where your contributions can have a visible and immediate impact.

Benefits

• Flexible PTOto encourage work‑life balance and personal well‑being


• Comprehensive healthcare Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage - you choose what works best for you.


• 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.