Job Description
About LiquidPiston LiquidPiston, Inc. (LPI) is an advanced technology company developing compact, high-performance rotary engines based on a new thermodynamic cycle. Our propulsion systems are enabling new capabilities in defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. We are now expanding our hybrid-electric propulsion efforts to fixed-wing VTOL/UAS platforms and seeking top talent to join our team.
Position Overview We’re looking for a driven and hands-on aerospace engineering intern to join our team in developing and prototyping fixed-wing VTOL and UAS aircraft powered by LiquidPiston’s hybrid rotary engine. In this role, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to turn early-stage concepts into functional, flight-ready hardware. If you're passionate about cutting-edge aviation, thrive in fast-paced environments, and want to work on systems that actually fly, this is a unique opportunity to make an impact.
You’re someone who loves building real things—whether it’s designing, fabricating, or testing hardware, you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty. You bring a strong analytical mindset, think from first principles, and learn best by doing. You take initiative, communicate clearly, and work well both independently and as part of a close-knit team.
You're currently pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, and you have experience with CAD and simulation tools like SolidWorks, CATIA, or ANSYS. Bonus points if you’ve worked on personal or academic projects involving prototyping, flight systems, or advanced mechanical design.
Key Responsibilities - Assist in the design and development of subsystems for fixed-wing VTOL aircraft incorporating LiquidPiston’s hybrid engine technology
- Collaborate with design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing teams to support integration and prototyping
- Participate in hands-on assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical and structural components
- Contribute to documentation and delivery of monthly technical reports to Department of Defense (DoD) partners
- Support technical presentations and maintain organized engineering documentation
Preferred Skills and Experience - Finite Element Analysis (FEA) focused on composite aircraft structures
- Rapid prototyping with additive manufacturing and composite materials (carbon/glass fiber, epoxy)
- Experience with autonomous or R/C aircraft systems and electromechanical integration
- Strong documentation and presentation skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Familiarity with aerospace design constraints and lightweight structural optimization
Compensation: - Approximately $3000-3850/month depending on the year in school.
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.
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