Design Engineer Intern – Spring 2027 | LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston • Suffield, CT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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. This isn’t an internship where you’ll spend the semester making PowerPoint slides or watching from the sidelines. You’ll be working on real engine technology alongside engineers who are designing, building, testing, and improving the next generation of propulsion systems. At LiquidPiston, your work can go from an idea to a CAD model, from CAD to a prototype, and from a prototype to a running engine. You’ll have the opportunity to see your designs come to life, learn from experienced engineers, and contribute to technology being developed for aerospace, defense, UAVs, and hybrid-electric applications. You’ll be given meaningful engineering problems to solve, not just busywork. If you’re the type of engineering student who wants to get your hands dirty, understand why something failed, figure out how to make it better, and see the results of your work firsthand, this is the kind of internship where you can make a real impact. 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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

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

Benefits

• Paid

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern