I'm happy to be corrected, but my recollection was that they provided some specifications, what we would call SWaP today, and some sketches to support, and Taylor designed, built, and tested the engine.

The funny thing is that today the separation of aircraft and engine design persists.

> what we would call SWaP today

This in a new term to me. I believe it means Size, Weight, and Power. Specifically as an optimization problem. The modern version includes cost as well which was probably less of a concern with the Wright Flyer.

https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/definition/what-is-swap-c

I'm sure Taylor contributed to the design. But Taylor was hired to do it as an employee.

The Wrights contacted multiple engine makers who all refused the job.

> But Taylor was hired to do it as an employee.

I think that is overly reductive. Regardless of if someone is paid for a thing, the creation is still theirs.

I have been paid to solve problems, but the solution was my creation.