Skunkwerks Engineering Intern - Fall 2026 | LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston, Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston is seeking a Skunkworks Engineering Intern for Fall 2026 in Suffield, CT. You will work closely with experienced engineers and technicians to design, build, test, troubleshoot, and improve real hardware. Projects can change quickly based on test results, offering a dynamic learning environment.

The role emphasizes CAD modeling, prototype builds, data analysis, and iterative design. Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn from hands-on work are essential for success in

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or closely related field.
• Completed coursework in mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, machine design, or heat transfer.
• Experience with or coursework in 3D CAD; SolidWorks preferred.
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable with both computers and physical hardware.
• Detail-oriented and eager to learn from hands-on work.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment.
• Able to manage changing priorities across multiple engineering problems.
• Available to work onsite in Suffield, CT, Monday–Friday, Fall 2026.
• U.S. person due to ITAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist design and development of rotary engine components and subsystems.
• Create and modify CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Support prototype builds, engine assembly, and component integration.
• Assist with testing and investigate unexpected engine behavior.
• Analyze test data and inform design changes.
• Support FEA, thermal analysis, or other engineering analyses.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot hardware and identify root causes.
• Assist with design reviews and communicate findings to the team.
• Evaluate manufacturing methods, tolerances, materials, and component designs.
• Participate in iterative design-build-test-learning cycles.
• Tackle engineering problems with uncertain answers and determine a path forward.

Skills

CAD modeling

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Hands-on hardware

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Skunkwerks Engineering Intern - Fall 2026 | LiquidPiston

Location: Suffield, CT
Employment Type: Full-Time Internship | Fall 2026
Compensation: Paid Internship
Schedule: Onsite, Monday–Friday

About LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston is reinventing the internal combustion engine through its patented X-Engine rotary architecture and High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle (HEHC). Our compact, high-performance engines are being developed for applications across defense, aerospace, UAVs, hybrid-electric propulsion, and portable power.

We are a small, highly technical engineering team working on technology that is still evolving. That means interns have the opportunity to work much closer to the actual engineering process than they typically would at a large company.

The Skunkworks Team

LiquidPiston’s Skunkworks team works on some of the company’s most challenging and fast-moving engineering problems.

What You’ll Do

As a Skunkworks Engineering Intern, you won’t spend the semester watching from the sidelines or working exclusively on theoretical projects. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and technicians to help design, build, test, troubleshoot, and improve real hardware. Projects can change quickly based on what testing reveals. One day you may be working in CAD, the next you may be helping investigate a failed component, supporting a prototype build, analyzing test data, or developing a design improvement. The work requires curiosity, adaptability, attention to detail, and a willingness to get hands‑on.

• Support the design and development of rotary engine components and subsystems.
• Create and modify CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Assist with prototype builds, engine assembly, and component integration.
• Support testing and help investigate unexpected engine or component behavior.
• Analyze test data and use results to inform design changes.
• Assist with FEA, thermal analysis, or other engineering analyses.
• Work with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot hardware and identify root causes.
• Support design reviews and communicate engineering findings to the team.
• Help evaluate manufacturing methods, tolerances, materials, and component designs.
• Participate in iterative development — design, build, test, learn, and improve.
• Take on engineering problems that may not have an obvious answer and help determine the path forward.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Completion of relevant engineering coursework in areas such as mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, machine design, fluid mechanics, or heat transfer.
• Experience with or coursework involving 3D CAD; SolidWorks is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working with both computers and physical hardware.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn from hands‑on work.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative engineering environment.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and work on multiple engineering problems.
• Must be available to work onsite in Suffield, CT, Monday–Friday during the Fall 2026 semester.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to ITAR requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship, co-op, research, or project experience involving mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Experience with SolidWorks Simulation or other FEA tools.
• Experience with machining, fabrication, or prototype assembly.
• Familiarity with GD&T.
• Experience collecting or analyzing engineering test data.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Experience with engines, propulsion systems, automotive systems, UAVs, or other mechanical systems.
• Formula SAE, Baja SAE, rocketry, robotics, or other hands‑on engineering project experience.

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.