Skunkwerks Engineer

Skunkwerks Engineer - Liquid Piston

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

Liquid Piston, 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 Liquid Piston 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.

Liquid Piston is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Engine Design & Development Engineer to join our core Skunk works 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'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 Solid Works 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;
  Solid Works 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…