{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"dedc8f0efcae0ce0ea40b60a","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/dedc8f0efcae0ce0ea40b60a","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/dedc8f0efcae0ce0ea40b60a","title":"Mechanical Design Engineer","description":"Skunkworks Engineer – Engine Design & DevelopmentLocation: Suffield, CTSchedule: Full-Time | Onsite 5 Days per WeekFirst Search is partnering with LiquidPiston to hire a Skunkworks Engineer to join its core engine development team. LiquidPiston is reinventing the internal combustion engine through its patented thermodynamic cycle and novel rotary engine architecture. The company is developing compact, high-efficiency engines for demanding aerospace, defense, and commercial applications.This is a highly hands-on engineering role for someone who wants to do more than design components behind a computer. You’ll take engineering problems from concept and CAD through prototyping, testing, failure analysis, and redesign—and work directly with the people building and testing the hardware.Responsibilities:Design and develop critical rotary and piston engine componentsCreate detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawingsPerform structural, stress, and thermal FEA to evaluate component strength, durability, and performanceWork directly with technicians and manufacturing partners during prototype buildsParticipate hands-on in engine assembly, troubleshooting, teardown, and developmentInvestigate component and system failures and perform root-cause analysisInterpret engine test results and use real-world data to drive design improvementsParticipate in design reviews and make recommendations based on analysis and testingApply GD&T and use metrology principles to support component design and evaluationApply DFM and DFA principles to develop practical, manufacturable designsConsider machining processes, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing requirements throughout the design processCollaborate closely with manufacturing, test, controls, quality, and other engineering teamsManage multiple engineering priorities as testing and development needs changeTake ownership of engineering problems from initial concept through prototype, testing, failure analysis, and final solutionQualifications:Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering disciplineStrong proficiency with 3D CAD; SolidWorks is preferred, although CATIA, NX, or similar platforms will be consideredExperience performing structural, stress, and thermal FEAStrong knowledge of GD&T and metrologyExperience with prototype development and validationUnderstanding of engine durability testing and failure-analysis methodsExperience with mechanical or engine assembly techniques and processesStrong understanding of DFM and DFA principlesKnowledge of machining processes and manufacturing requirementsStrong mechanical problem-solving and troubleshooting skillsAbility to move quickly from identifying a problem to developing and testing a practical solutionComfortable working in a fast-paced, highly iterative R&D environmentPreferred Experience:Internal combustion engine design or developmentMaterials science and material selection for high-performance mechanical componentsVibration analysis and NVHLubrication systems, oil flow, and bearing analysisCooling systems and thermal managementIntake and exhaust system designEngine dynamometer testing and test-data interpretationHands-on troubleshooting of complex mechanical systemsExperience in an R&D, startup, Skunkworks, motorsports, aerospace, or similarly fast-moving development environment","company":"First Search","rawCompany":"first search","city":"West Suffield","state":"CT","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-10-06T11:29:51.091Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2141.00","title":"Mechanical Engineers","slug":"mechanical-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"17-3027.00","title":"Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians","slug":"mechanical-engineering-technologists-and-technicians"}],"industries":[{"code":"333618","title":"Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-engine-equipment-manufacturing"},{"code":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"},{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Mechanical Design Engineer","description":"Skunkworks Engineer – Engine Design & DevelopmentLocation: Suffield, CTSchedule: Full-Time | Onsite 5 Days per WeekFirst Search is partnering with LiquidPiston to hire a Skunkworks Engineer to join its core engine development team. LiquidPiston is reinventing the internal combustion engine through its patented thermodynamic cycle and novel rotary engine architecture. The company is developing compact, high-efficiency engines for demanding aerospace, defense, and commercial applications.This is a highly hands-on engineering role for someone who wants to do more than design components behind a computer. You’ll take engineering problems from concept and CAD through prototyping, testing, failure analysis, and redesign—and work directly with the people building and testing the hardware.Responsibilities:Design and develop critical rotary and piston engine componentsCreate detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawingsPerform structural, stress, and thermal FEA to evaluate component strength, durability, and performanceWork directly with technicians and manufacturing partners during prototype buildsParticipate hands-on in engine assembly, troubleshooting, teardown, and developmentInvestigate component and system failures and perform root-cause analysisInterpret engine test results and use real-world data to drive design improvementsParticipate in design reviews and make recommendations based on analysis and testingApply GD&T and use metrology principles to support component design and evaluationApply DFM and DFA principles to develop practical, manufacturable designsConsider machining processes, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing requirements throughout the design processCollaborate closely with manufacturing, test, controls, quality, and other engineering teamsManage multiple engineering priorities as testing and development needs changeTake ownership of engineering problems from initial concept through prototype, testing, failure analysis, and final solutionQualifications:Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering disciplineStrong proficiency with 3D CAD; SolidWorks is preferred, although CATIA, NX, or similar platforms will be consideredExperience performing structural, stress, and thermal FEAStrong knowledge of GD&T and metrologyExperience with prototype development and validationUnderstanding of engine durability testing and failure-analysis methodsExperience with mechanical or engine assembly techniques and processesStrong understanding of DFM and DFA principlesKnowledge of machining processes and manufacturing requirementsStrong mechanical problem-solving and troubleshooting skillsAbility to move quickly from identifying a problem to developing and testing a practical solutionComfortable working in a fast-paced, highly iterative R&D environmentPreferred Experience:Internal combustion engine design or developmentMaterials science and material selection for high-performance mechanical componentsVibration analysis and NVHLubrication systems, oil flow, and bearing analysisCooling systems and thermal managementIntake and exhaust system designEngine dynamometer testing and test-data interpretationHands-on troubleshooting of complex mechanical systemsExperience in an R&D, startup, Skunkworks, motorsports, aerospace, or similarly fast-moving development environment","datePosted":"2026-10-06T11:29:51.091Z","dateModified":"2026-10-06T11:29:51.091Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"First Search","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"West Suffield","addressRegion":"CT","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"dedc8f0efcae0ce0ea40b60a"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/dedc8f0efcae0ce0ea40b60a"}}