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Engineering
Bothell, WA
Full-time
On-Site
Propulsion Systems Build Engineer
Send your cover letter and resume to info@portalsystems.space with the email subject: Senior Structural Engineer — Spacecraft Systems
About the Role
We are seeking a Propulsion Systems Build Engineer to own the development, demonstration, qualification, and delivery of propulsion systems across Portal’s vehicle family. This engineer will work across thrusters, pressurization hardware, propellant storage, and attitude control systems - partnering closely with suppliers and internal teams to turn concepts into flight-ready hardware. The role spans development, test, qualification, and launch-provider-ready delivery across disciplines of mission, avionics, structures, thermal, additive, and environmental engineering. Join us in building simple, scalable propulsion systems that bring high-mobility spaceflight to orbit!
About Portal
From our Bothell, WA headquarters, we design vehicles with the maneuverability, resilience, and adaptability needed for the next era of orbital operations. Every system we build is in service of a simple idea: space should be more accessible, responsive, and capable.
Joining Portal means stepping into a team that believes in bold engineering, fast iteration, and the power of small groups to change what’s possible. If you want your work to directly shape the future of in-space mobility, join us.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver qualified propellant feed and management systems by working closely with propulsion, fluids, and thermal engineering teams
- Own the development, sourcing, and qualification of lightweight propellant storage hardware in partnership with internal fluids teams and external suppliers
- Lead technical engagement with suppliers and designers developing propulsion hardware including ACS components, valves, and related subsystems
- Build internal propulsion qualification campaigns and test infrastructure to evaluate system and vehicle performance
- Rapidly prototype next-generation concepts to enable scalable vehicle architectures, including in-space propellant management and refueling
What You Bring to Portal
- Systems-level understanding of spacecraft propulsion systems and their impact on vehicle design and operations
- Ability to plan and execute propulsion hardware qualification campaigns aligned with launch provider or aerospace standards (SMC-S-016, AIAA, or similar)
- Ability to design and interpret propulsion tests, including fluid, pressure, and thermal performance evaluations
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills across fluid, pressure, and electromechanical systems
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly across engineering disciplines and external suppliers
Basic Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience developing, integrating, or testing propulsion, fluid, or pressure systems for aerospace or other high-reliability hardware platform
- Hands-on support of hardware qualification, integration, or development testing for aerospace or similar systems
- Direct experience working with suppliers or external partners to test and deliver technical hardware components
- Familiarity with propellant storage, fluid handling, or pressure system hardware such as tanks, valves, and regulators in development of spacecraft or similar systems
Preferred Skills & Experience
ITAR Statement
Eligibility to access ITAR-controlled items requires that candidates be U.S. persons, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other protected individuals as defined by U.S. law.
Employment is contingent upon verification of ITAR eligibility and, where applicable, obtaining any required export authorization or license.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Send your cover letter and resume to careers@portalsystems.space with the email subject: Propulsion Systems Build Engineer
careers@portalsystems.space