Engineering Intern
About LiquidPiston:
LiquidPiston, Inc. is a disruptive engine company based in Bloomfield, CT, developing compact, efficient, and powerful rotary engines based on our patented thermodynamic cycle and innovative X-Engine architecture. Our engines are poised to revolutionize applications across aerospace, defense, commercial, and automotive sectors. Join our mission to transform propulsion and power generation technology.
Location: Onsite in Bloomfield, CT. Will not consider remote.
Internship Overview:
We are seeking highly motivated and innovative Engineering Interns to join various teams within LiquidPiston. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to real-world engineering projects and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, R&D-focused environment.
Opportunities are available in the following departments:
- Design Engineering
- Aerospace Systems
- Modeling & Simulation
- Testing & Validation
- Manufacturing / Machining
1. Design Engineering
- Support design and development of rotary engine components and subsystems using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks).
- Perform tolerance analyses, DFMA reviews, and assist in prototype fabrication.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on packaging, manufacturability, and integration challenges.
- Contribute to propulsion system integration for UAVs and other aerospace platforms.
- Perform thermal and structural analyses under aerospace operating conditions.
- Assist in compliance documentation and system-level testing.
- Develop and run simulations for thermodynamic cycles and combustion analysis.
- Use MATLAB, Simulink, GT-Power, ANSYS, or other modeling tools to support performance prediction and optimization.
- Validate simulation results against experimental data.
- Support test setup, data acquisition, and instrumentation for engine and component testing.
- Analyze test data to identify trends, issues, and performance metrics.
- Assist with writing test plans, procedures, and reports.
- Operate and support CNC machining, manual lathe, and mill equipment for prototype and low-volume production.
- Assist in fixture design, tool selection, and machining process planning.
- Work closely with design engineers to evaluate manufacturability and implement design changes.
- Maintain precision, quality control, and safety standards during part fabrication.
- Gain hands-on experience with GD&T, CAM programming (e.g., Fusion 360 or Mastercam), and material selection.
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. Technical trade school students will also be considered for machinist roles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with relevant tools depending on the department (e.g., SolidWorks, MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, CNC equipment, CAM software).
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Passion for innovation and technology development.
- Prior experience with internal combustion engines, power systems, or mechanical prototyping.
- Knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, or heat transfer.
- Familiarity with electric drive systems, UAVs, or hybrid propulsion.
- Hands-on experience in a shop environment or with machining equipment.
- Hands-on experience working with cutting-edge engine technologies.
- Mentorship from experienced engineers and exposure to startup culture.
- Opportunity to work on high-impact projects in aerospace and defense.
- Practical manufacturing and prototyping skills in a real-world R&D environment.
- Potential pathway to full-time employment.
- Approximately $3000-3850/month depending on the year in school.
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.