Skunkworks Engine Design Engineer — Hands-On Prototyping

First Search Inc.; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

First Search Inc. is partnering with LiquidPiston to hire a Skunkworks Engineer for its core engine development team in a highly hands-on role. You’ll move concepts from CAD through prototyping, testing, and failure analysis, working directly with hardware builders.

The role emphasizes rapid iteration, GD&T and metrology, and close collaboration with manufacturing and test teams to deliver practical, manufacturable engine components.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong CAD experience with design for manufacturability.
• Experience in structural, stress, and thermal FEA and GD&T.
• Hands-on prototype development and validation experience.
• Experience in engine or mechanical systems teardown and testing.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop rotary and piston engine components.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings.
• Perform structural, stress, and thermal FEA to evaluate strength and durability.
• Work directly with technicians and manufacturing partners on prototypes.
• Participate in engine assembly, troubleshooting, teardown, and development.
• Investigate failures and conduct root-cause analysis.
• Interpret test results and drive design improvements.
• Engage in design reviews and make recommendations based on data.
• Apply GD&T and metrology to support design and evaluation.
• Incorporate DFM and DFA principles for manufacturable designs.
• Consider machining processes, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing needs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, test, controls, quality, and other teams.
• Manage multiple priorities as testing and development evolve.
• Take ownership from concept through prototype, testing, and final solution.

Skills

3D CAD

Troubleshooting

Engineering problem solving

Prototype development

FEA (structural, thermal)

GD&T

DFM and DFA

Rapid iteration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

Job description

First Search Inc. is partnering with LiquidPiston to hire a Skunkworks Engineer for its core engine development team in a highly hands-on role. You’ll move concepts from CAD through prototyping, testing, and failure analysis, working directly with hardware builders.

The role emphasizes rapid iteration, GD&T and metrology, and close collaboration with manufacturing and test teams to deliver practical, manufacturable engine components.