LiquidPiston
Overview
LiquidPiston is reimagining the internal combustion engine. Our patented X-engine architecture is a compact, lightweight, and fuel-efficient rotary engine based on a novel thermodynamic cycle. With applications spanning defense, aerospace, robotics, and commercial power generation, LiquidPiston is building the next generation of portable power solutions. We’re a fast-moving, engineering-led company seeking an operational leader who can scale our core infrastructure and drive cross-functional performance as we transition from R&D to commercialization.
Our ideal candidate brings deep small business operational experience—ideally from a 20–100 person company developing hardware or engineering-based technology—and understands the balance between structure and flexibility. This person must be comfortable rolling up their sleeves, managing across diverse functional areas (machine shop, procurement, finance, IT, facilities), negotiating with suppliers and enabling an R&D-driven, hardware-focused team to succeed.
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Oversee core operational functions including the machine shop, procurement, finance/admin, IT, and facilities
Build practical systems, processes, and procedures appropriate for a growing engineering organization; ensure efficiency without bureaucracy
Serve as a steady hand for day-to-day operations while also working on strategic improvements across the company
Support for R&D & Product Development
Work closely with engineering leadership to ensure the operational side of the business is tightly aligned with R&D and prototyping needs
Support the development and manufacture of early-stage products by ensuring availability of tools, resources, materials, and vendor relationships
Help implement scalable workflows as the company transitions from prototypes to low-rate initial production
Cross-Functional Coordination
Connect the dots between technical teams, admin/finance, and leadership; act as an integrator across departments
Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives, such as cost optimization, capital investments, and vendor management
Facilitate communication between departments to eliminate silos and drive shared accountability
Planning & Execution
Lead operational budgeting and planning processes; manage expenses and capital investments
Track and report on KPIs related to operational efficiency, cost, vendor performance, and organizational capacity
Identify and fix inefficiencies; implement tools and systems that help the company grow sustainably
Negotiation
Support negotiation of contracts related to procurement, capital equipment, and facility operations
Assess and negotiate contract terms with a focus on balancing cost, risk, compliance, and long-term value
Work cross-functionally to ensure technical requirements and operational needs are fully represented in all negotiated agreements
People & Culture
Build and retain high-performing operations and support teams, mentor team members across departments
Help foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration within a mission-driven team
Ensure compliance with internal policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations (e.g., ITAR, OSHA)
Qualifications
7+ years of experience in operations or general management, ideally in a small or mid-sized company (20–100 people)
Demonstrated leadership across multiple operational functions—finance, supply chain, IT, facilities, and admin
Experience working closely with R&D or engineering teams in a hardware, manufacturing, or prototyping setting
Hands-on and resourceful approach; comfortable making decisions in a dynamic, high-accountability environment
Strong communication and leadership skills; able to influence across departments and at all levels of the company
Preferred
Experience in a startup or small government-funded tech company (e.g., SBIR/STTR)
Exposure to DoD, defense, aerospace, or dual-use technologies
Experience selecting and implementing ERP or operational management tools
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 with 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
Our Culture 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
Job Details
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Sales, General Business, and Education
Industries: Wireless Services, Telecommunications, and Communications Equipment Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Our ideal candidate brings deep small business operational experience—ideally from a 20–100 person company developing hardware or engineering-based technology—and understands the balance between structure and flexibility. This person must be comfortable rolling up their sleeves, managing across diverse functional areas (machine shop, procurement, finance, IT, facilities), negotiating with suppliers and enabling an R&D-driven, hardware-focused team to succeed.
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Oversee core operational functions including the machine shop, procurement, finance/admin, IT, and facilities
Build practical systems, processes, and procedures appropriate for a growing engineering organization; ensure efficiency without bureaucracy
Serve as a steady hand for day-to-day operations while also working on strategic improvements across the company
Support for R&D & Product Development
Work closely with engineering leadership to ensure the operational side of the business is tightly aligned with R&D and prototyping needs
Support the development and manufacture of early-stage products by ensuring availability of tools, resources, materials, and vendor relationships
Help implement scalable workflows as the company transitions from prototypes to low-rate initial production
Cross-Functional Coordination
Connect the dots between technical teams, admin/finance, and leadership; act as an integrator across departments
Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives, such as cost optimization, capital investments, and vendor management
Facilitate communication between departments to eliminate silos and drive shared accountability
Planning & Execution
Lead operational budgeting and planning processes; manage expenses and capital investments
Track and report on KPIs related to operational efficiency, cost, vendor performance, and organizational capacity
Identify and fix inefficiencies; implement tools and systems that help the company grow sustainably
Negotiation
Support negotiation of contracts related to procurement, capital equipment, and facility operations
Assess and negotiate contract terms with a focus on balancing cost, risk, compliance, and long-term value
Work cross-functionally to ensure technical requirements and operational needs are fully represented in all negotiated agreements
People & Culture
Build and retain high-performing operations and support teams, mentor team members across departments
Help foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration within a mission-driven team
Ensure compliance with internal policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations (e.g., ITAR, OSHA)
Qualifications
7+ years of experience in operations or general management, ideally in a small or mid-sized company (20–100 people)
Demonstrated leadership across multiple operational functions—finance, supply chain, IT, facilities, and admin
Experience working closely with R&D or engineering teams in a hardware, manufacturing, or prototyping setting
Hands-on and resourceful approach; comfortable making decisions in a dynamic, high-accountability environment
Strong communication and leadership skills; able to influence across departments and at all levels of the company
Preferred
Experience in a startup or small government-funded tech company (e.g., SBIR/STTR)
Exposure to DoD, defense, aerospace, or dual-use technologies
Experience selecting and implementing ERP or operational management tools
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 with 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
Our Culture 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
Job Details
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Sales, General Business, and Education
Industries: Wireless Services, Telecommunications, and Communications Equipment Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr