LiquidPiston

Chief Engineer

LiquidPiston • $150K — $180K *
Suffield, CT 06078In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in engine development or complex mechanical systems
  • Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field (MS/PhD preferred)
  • Expertise in combustion engines and rotary systems
  • Strong project management and leadership skills
  • Hands-on engineering experience in labs
  • Proficiency in design and simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, FEA)
  • Excellent communication abilities

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical execution of next-gen rotary engine program from concept to commercialization
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to define the engine development roadmap
  • Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and contractors
  • Oversee design integration, testing, and validation of engine systems
  • Engage with stakeholders including customers and investors for presentations and demos
  • Stay updated on industry trends and drive innovation in engine design
  • Identify opportunities for performance and efficiency improvements

Benefits

  • Flexible PTO for work-life balance
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Equity participation through RSUs for permanent employees
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
  • Ongoing training and mentorship for career growth
Full Job Description
Chief Engineer
This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the company will be relocating to Suffield, CT later in 2026.
Position Overview
As Chief Engineer, you will be at the forefront of bringing LPI's revolutionary High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle (HEHC) rotary engine to market. Collaborating closely with company leadership, cross-functional engineering teams, and external partners, you will lead the technical execution of a major engine development program from prototype to production. This is a hands-on, lab-centered role for an experienced, strategic, and inventive engineering leader who thrives in an R&D environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Technical Leadership & Program Execution
    • Lead the technical execution of a next-generation rotary engine program, from concept through commercialization.
    • Collaborate with the VP of Engineering and senior leadership to define and drive the engine development roadmap.
    • Balance innovation with practical constraints-optimizing for function, cost, manufacturability, and performance.
  • Team Management & Development
    • Manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers and contractors, including test, design, development, modeling, and calibration specialists.
    • Recruit top engineering talent and build a cohesive, high-performance team.
    • Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Design, Testing, and Integration
    • Oversee the development, design integration, testing, and validation of engine systems and subcomponents.
    • Identify opportunities to improve performance, durability, and efficiency through iterative design and hands-on prototyping.
    • Coordinate BOM development, procurement, and resource allocation to meet project goals.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
    • Interface with key stakeholders including customers, partners, and investors.
    • Participate in technical presentations, demos, and meetings to support business development and strategic partnerships.
    • Maintain clear, coherent communication across technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Industry Research & Innovation
    • Stay on the leading edge of industry trends, research, and emerging technologies in high-efficiency engines.
    • Drive innovation and original thinking to solve complex design and engineering challenges.
You Bring:
  • 10+ years of experience leading engine development programs or complex mechanical systems.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (MS or PhD strongly preferred).
  • Deep expertise in combustion engines, rotary systems, thermofluid components, and electromechanical integration.
  • Proven ability to manage complex systems, optimizing tradeoffs between size, weight, cost, and performance.
  • Proficiency with design and simulation tools (SolidWorks, FEA, modeling, etc.).
  • Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
  • Hands-on, lab-based engineering experience-willing to be deeply involved in prototyping and testing.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Skills
  • Advanced experience with engine packaging and system-level integration.
  • Experience with electro-hydraulic-mechanical systems.
  • Familiarity with CAD, simulation tools, and data analysis platforms (e.g., MS Project, Excel, MATLAB).
  • Track record of recruiting and building effective engineering teams.
  • Comfort presenting technical content to investors, customers, and partners.
Benefits & Perks
  • Flexible PTO: We value work-life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage-you choose what works best for you.
  • Equity Participation: Permanent employees receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
  • 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5%
  • Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.

About LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston is an American company that develops and licenses advanced rotary internal combustion engines. The company's engines are designed to be more efficient and compact than traditional piston engines, with the potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. LiquidPiston's engines are based on the company's patented High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle (HEHC) technology, which combines elements of the Otto, Diesel, and Atkinson cycles to achieve high thermal efficiency. The company's engines have potential applications in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and military.
Learn more about LiquidPiston
Size
50 employees
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
-$1 million
Founded
2004
Revenue
$1 million
* Ladders Estimates

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