Propulsion Engineer (Build)

Portal Space Systems • Bothell, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Portal Space Systems is seeking a Propulsion Engineer (Build) to own the development, build, test, and delivery of propulsion hardware across Portal’s vehicle family and ground capabilities. This engineer will work across flight propellant storage, propellant feed systems, and thrusters along with Propulsion GSE. They will partner closely with suppliers and internal teams to turn concepts into flight-ready hardware. The role spans development, build, test, qualification, and launch-provider-ready delivery across disciplines of mechanical design, avionics, manufacturing, and environmental engineering. The goal is to build elegant, scalable propulsion systems that bring high-mobility spaceflight to orbit.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience developing, integrating, or testing propulsion, fluid, or pressure systems for aerospace or other high-reliability hardware platform
• Experience supporting 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
• Experience in propellant storage, fluid handling, or pressure system hardware such as tanks, valves, and regulators in development of spacecraft or similar systems
• U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other protected individuals as defined by U.S. law) due to ITAR regulations.

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver qualified propellant feed systems by working closely with peer Propulsion Engineers and the broader engineering team
• Own the development, sourcing, and qualification of lightweight propellant storage hardware in partnership with internal fluids teams and external suppliers
• Lead technical engagements with internal engineers and external suppliers to bring developing hardware through to delivery and qualification
• Build internal propulsion qualification campaigns and test infrastructure to evaluate propulsion performance
• Rapidly prototype next-generation concepts to enable scalable vehicle architectures, including in-space propellant management and refueling

What This Job Offers

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