Design Engineer Internship - Fall 2026

LiquidPiston

Suffield, CT

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

3D Modeling, 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, Aerospace and Defense, Analysis Skills, Automotive Repair and Maintenance, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Design for Assembly (DFA), Detail Oriented, Documentation Design, Finite Element Analysis, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Internal Combustion Engine, Machine Tool, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Design, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Polymers, Power Generation, Problem Solving Skills, Product Development, Propulsion, Prototyping, Rapid Prototyping, Research & Development (R&D), Risk Analysis, Robotics, Simulation, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation (fka Cosmos FEA), Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Test Design, Testing, Thermodynamics, Tolerance Analysis, Topology

LOCATION

Suffield, CT

POSTED

1 day ago

Design Engineer Internship-LiquidPiston: Multiple Openings Available
Location: This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the company will be relocating to Suffield, CT later in 2026. (relocation assistance not available)
Employment Type: Full-time Internship (Fall 2026)
Compensation: Paid

About LiquidPiston:
LiquidPiston is a fast-growing propulsion technology company reinventing the internal combustion engine with our patented X-Engine rotary architecture and High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle (HEHC). Our engines deliver dramatically higher power density, efficiency, fuel flexibility, and compactness than traditional piston designs — making them ideal for UAVs, defense systems, hybrid-electric propulsion, portable power, and aerospace applications.
We're transitioning from pure R&D to industrialization and commercialization, creating exciting opportunities to impact real product development in a small, high-energy team.
Internship Overview:
LiquidPiston has multiple openings for Design Engineer Interns within our mechanical design and engine development teams. These roles focus on hands-on component and subsystem design for our rotary engines and related systems. You'll work closely with senior design engineers, simulation specialists, and test teams in a collaborative, prototype-heavy environment.
This is a high-ownership internship - expect to take real designs from concept through CAD modeling, analysis support, prototyping, and testing iteration. Ideal for students passionate about mechanical design, engines, and rapid prototyping who want meaningful contributions to next-generation power systems.
Key Responsibilities:

Support conceptual and detailed design of rotary engine components (housings, rotors, seals, bearings, combustors, cooling systems, etc.) using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools
Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings following ASME standards
Assist in design analysis using hand calculations, basic FEA (structural/thermal), and collaboration with simulation engineers
Participate in rapid prototyping: prepare files for additive manufacturing (polymer/metal), CNC machining, or in-house fabrication
Support design reviews, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturability assessments
Help iterate designs based on test results, simulation feedback, or manufacturing constraints
Contribute to fixture/tooling design for engine assembly or testing
Document designs, changes, and findings in reports, Asana tasks, or shared drives
Collaborate across mechanical, manufacturing, controls, and test teams

Qualifications (Required):

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field (rising junior/senior or graduate level preferred)
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent: Fusion 360, Creo, CATIA) for solid modeling, assemblies, and drawings
Solid fundamentals in mechanical design, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes
Hands-on mindset — comfortable with prototyping, basic machining, or 3D printing
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
U.S. person status (citizen or permanent resident) preferred due to defense/aerospace-related projects
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, small-team environment with quick iteration cycles

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Prior project experience with engines, rotaries, high-performance vehicles, Formula SAE, UAVs, or robotics
Exposure to GD&T, tolerance analysis, or design for manufacturing/assembly (DFM/DFA)
Basic FEA experience (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or similar)
Familiarity with additive manufacturing workflows or topology optimization
Interest in internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, or advanced propulsion
Previous internship or co-op in mechanical design, automotive, or aerospace

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.

About the Company

LiquidPiston

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