Design Engineer Internship - Fall 2026

About the role

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.

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
• Aid 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

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
• 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

Qualifications

None specified

Skills

None specified

Benefits

None specified

Pay

None specified

Schedule

None specified