Hardware Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Amherst, MA

This role is onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the company will be relocating to Suffield, CT later in 2026.

LiquidPiston is revolutionizing combustion engine technology through the development of advanced rotary engines and integrated hybrid power systems. Our innovative designs aim to dramatically improve efficiency, reduce size and weight, and enable cleaner, more compact power solutions across defense, aerospace, and commercial sectors.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys owning hardware from concept through production. While power electronics is a major part of the job, this is not a narrowly scoped "design one converter for a year" role. The right candidate is excited by the broader challenge of building reliable, high-performance products in a small-company environment where priorities evolve quickly and engineers wear multiple hats.

• Design, simulate, prototype, debug, and improve power electronics hardware for advanced engine and generator systems
• Develop and support converters, inverters, motor drives, power distribution systems, battery interfaces, and related hardware
• Perform hands‑on hardware bring‑up, troubleshooting, validation, rework, and root‑cause analysis of electrical and thermal failures
• Address real‑world hardware challenges including EMI/EMC issues, component failures, manufacturability concerns, and reliability improvements
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, embedded controls, and test engineers to develop fully integrated products
• Oversee external vendors and contractors, including reviewing designs, identifying issues, and resolving integration or quality problems
• Execute rapid prototype development, bench testing, and in‑house troubleshooting to support development timelines
• Contribute to related electrical engineering efforts beyond core PE, including engine controls, genset controls, instrumentation, wiring, and general EE tasks
• Support iterative product development and continuous improvement activities throughout the product lifecycle
• Operate effectively in a fast‑paced small‑company environment where priorities may shift and engineers are expected to take broad ownership

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Strong hands‑on experience designing and developing power electronics hardware
• Experience with converters, inverters, motor drives, high‑current/high‑voltage systems, or related power electronics applications
• Practical experience with hardware debugging, lab testing, prototype integration, and failure analysis
• Strong understanding of real‑world electrical engineering tradeoffs including thermal management, PCB layout, EMI/EMC, reliability, and manufacturability
• Experience working with external vendors, contract manufacturers, or third‑party design firms
• Comfortable performing hands‑on lab work including soldering, rework, instrumentation, and troubleshooting
• Ability to work across disciplines and contribute to broader electrical and system‑level engineering challenges
• Adaptable, self‑motivated, and comfortable working in a highly collaborative small‑team environment
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a demonstrated ability to drive hardware issues to resolution quickly and effectively
• Passion for building and improving real‑world hardware products

• Experience with weight‑and‑efficiency‑critical designs (e.g., aerospace, defense, UAVs).
• Background in hybrid power systems, gensets, and MIL‑STD compliant systems (e.g., AMMPS).
• Knowledge of CAN BUS/MOD BUS communication protocols.
• Hands‑on experience with PCB layout and design tools such as Altium or OrCAD.
• Firmware development experience (C/C++ preferred).
• Project management skills with experience coordinating across teams and with external stakeholders.

• PTO: We value work‑life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage - you choose what works best for you.
• Equity Participation: Employes may 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% after 1 year of employment.
• Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.

At LiquidPiston, we embrace challenges, move fast, and celebrate curiosity. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. We understand that innovation involves risk - and we’re not afraid to fail as we move forward.

LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against, and receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or disability. All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and drug screening.