Skunkwerks Engineering Intern - Fall 2026 | LiquidPiston

Liquidpiston; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston is seeking a Skunkworks Engineering Intern for Fall 2026, onsite in Suffield, CT. You’ll work alongside engineers to design, build, test, troubleshoot, and improve real hardware in a fast-paced environment.

You will contribute to CAD modeling, prototype builds, data analysis, and design iterations while learning hands-on machining and testing processes. This internship emphasizes curiosity, adaptability, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Seeking a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Completed coursework in mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, and heat transfer.
• Experience with 3D CAD; SolidWorks preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design and development of rotary engine components.
• Create/modify CAD models and drawings.
• Support prototype builds and engine assembly.
• Analyze test data to inform design changes.
• Assist with FEA or thermal analyses.

Skills

CAD modeling

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Engineering drawings

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.

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.