Build Specialist

Portal Space Systems • Bothell, WA

2d • $38 - $60 • Onsite

About The Position

Portal Space Systems is hiring a Build Specialist to build its first spacecraft hardware, including development, qualification, and first flight units. Working with design, analysis, and manufacturing engineering, the specialist will fabricate tooling and developmental hardware, plan and execute builds of evolving designs, and help establish the space where spacecraft are built and tested. The work is hands-on across welding, fabrication, and rigging, with minimal oversight and a focus on anticipating issues beyond those identified in build instructions. The role emphasizes building, testing, and documenting a small number of unique spacecraft units rather than scaling a production line.

The position is based at Portal Space Systems’ headquarters in Bothell, Washington. Candidates must be eligible to access ITAR-controlled items as a U.S. person; employment is contingent on verification of eligibility and, where applicable, required export authorization or licensing.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of hands-on experience fabricating one-off parts and tooling for aerospace, defense, automotive, or other complex hardware industries.
• AWS D1.2, D1.6, or D1.1 welding certification obtained within the past 5 years.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, schematics, specifications, bills of materials, technical work instructions, sketches, whiteboard concepts, and other documents.
• Experience using precision measurement equipment, hand tools, torque tooling, manual or CNC milling machines, and specialized assembly equipment while maintaining high workmanship standards.
• Experience operating forklifts, hoists, and overhead cranes.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds overhead.
• Ability to stand unassisted for more than 2 hours at a time.
• Strong mechanical and electromechanical aptitude for assembling, integrating, troubleshooting, modifying, and validating complex aerospace hardware.
• Ability to work with minimal oversight, adapt to incomplete information and changing priorities, and communicate technical issues and solutions clearly.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing and fabricating shop aids and tools.
• AWS D17.1 welding certification obtained within the past 5 years and experience performing orbital tube welding.
• NCCCO Rigger certification or another rigging and lifting certificate.
• Experience using a Manufacturing Execution System.
• At least 2 years of experience building spacecraft or airplanes.

Responsibilities

• Build development, qualification, and flight spacecraft hardware, from components through integrated assemblies, with minimal oversight and high workmanship standards.
• Author and execute assembly sequences, integration strategies, tooling requirements, and build plans for new and rapidly evolving hardware; identify problems in drawings and procedures before they become nonconformances.
• Design and fabricate in-house tooling, fixtures, and equipment from sketches and discussions, and help build out the spacecraft development space.
• Perform AWS-certified welds on tooling and equipment, and support development and qualification of flight welds.
• Plan and perform safe lifting, handling, and rigging of spacecraft hardware and ground support equipment, and support maintenance of lifting equipment and processes.
• Maintain hardware configuration, traceability, build records, deviations, nonconformances, and as-built documentation for every unit through first flight.
• Coordinate across design, analysis, manufacturing engineering, quality, and test, providing early design-for-assembly and design-for-test feedback.
• Capture lessons from builds and tests and apply them to improved tooling, procedures, and subsequent design iterations.

Benefits

• Company equity as a long-term incentive may be available, along with potential bonuses.
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage with premiums paid 100% by Portal.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid parental leave.
• Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 12 or more paid holidays per year.
• Sick time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed