Propulsion Engineer II (Design)

Portal Space Systems•Bothell, WA

1d•$100,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Design-focused Propulsion Engineer uses mechanical design skills to advance pressurant systems, propellant management devices (PMDs), feed systems, and reaction control system (RCS) flight hardware. With guidance from senior Propulsion Engineers, the role contributes to mechanical design and drawings, supplier engagement, and development, qualification, and acceptance testing. The engineer also collaborates on hardware builds, vehicle integration, and functional testing. The role works closely with fellow Propulsion Engineers and suppliers to build and test hardware quickly, learn from test results, and advance designs from early development through qualified flight hardware. The position is based at Portal Space Systems’ headquarters in Bothell, Washington. It may involve access to ITAR-controlled technical data and defense-related materials; employment is contingent on verification of ITAR eligibility and, where applicable, required export authorization or licensing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience in mechanical design of hardware that has been built and tested; student project team leadership experience may count.
Experience creating detailed models and drawings for fabricated hardware.
Experience clearly communicating design intent, test results, and hardware implications.
Solid foundation in mechanical design, fluid systems, and structures, with the ability to apply first-principles reasoning and quickly learn unfamiliar hardware, processes, and disciplines.
Ability to perform first-order structural and fluid hand calculations, such as stress margins and pressure drop.
Bias toward developing fast, sufficient solutions and using hardware and test data to iterate toward the intended final design.
Comfort working across the hardware lifecycle, from drawings and supplier hardware through test, build, and integration.
Willingness to solicit and provide peer review, document designs and results clearly and concisely, and communicate implications for associated hardware.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
Proficiency with NX and Teamcenter.
Proficiency with GD&T.
Experience with hazardous fluids and pressure systems.
Experience taking hardware through development or qualification testing.
Experience using AI-assisted tools to accelerate design, analysis, or documentation.

Responsibilities

Develop mechanical designs and drawings for propulsion flight hardware, including pressurant systems, PMDs, feed systems, and/or RCS, using mentorship from senior Propulsion Engineers and iterating from development hardware toward flight designs.
Engage with suppliers to advance components from specification through delivery, including defining and verifying interfaces.
Develop test requirements, test articles, and success criteria for assigned hardware, subject to senior engineer review, and interpret test results to inform design decisions.
Execute tests as needed, partnering with fellow Propulsion Engineers on test stands and hazardous operations.
Collaborate on build plans and execution to ensure designs are buildable and are built as intended.
Support vehicle integration and functional testing of propulsion hardware.