Aerospace

Propulsion Engineer II (Design)

Bothell, WAOnsiteFull Time$100,000–$170,000 /yrPosted 10 days ago

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Required skills

Mechanical Design
Fluid Systems
Structures
First Principles Reasoning
Hardware Lifecycle
Test Plan Development
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Detailed Models
Fabricated Hardware

Nice to have

NX
Teamcenter
GD&T
Hazardous Fluids
Pressure Systems
AI-assisted Tools

Role summary

Portal is seeking a Design-focused Propulsion Engineer II to design and develop flight hardware for pressurant, propellant management, and feed systems. This role involves creating mechanical designs and drawings, engaging with suppliers, developing and executing tests, and collaborating on build and integration. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical design, fluid systems, and structures, with 2+ years of experience in hardware design, fabrication, and testing. Proficiency with CAD tools like NX and understanding of GD&T are preferred, as is experience with hazardous fluids and pressure systems. This position may involve access to ITAR-controlled data.

About Portal

Portal Space Systems is on a mission to expand humanity’s freedom of movement in space. We’re building the spacecraft that makes that mission possible. 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.

Position Summary

The Design-focused Propulsion Engineer uses their mechanical design skills to advance pressurant system, propellant management device (PMD), feed system, 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, while collaborating on build, vehicle integration, and functional testing. This position works closely with fellow Propulsion Engineers and suppliers to get sufficient hardware built and tested quickly, learn from it, and drive designs from early development through qualified flight hardware.

Core Responsibilities

Flight Hardware Design & Development – Pressurant, PMD, & Feed Systems

Develop mechanical designs and drawings for propulsion flight hardware (pressurant system, PMD, feed system, and/or RCS) with available mentorship from senior Propulsion Engineers, starting with fast, sufficient development hardware to learn quickly before converging on flight designs

Engage with suppliers to help bring components from specification through delivery, including interface definition and verification

Develop test requirements, test articles, and success criteria for assigned hardware, reviewed by senior Propulsion Engineers, and interpret 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 built as intended

Support vehicle integration and functional testing of propulsion hardware

What You Bring To Portal

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 calcs (e.g., stress margins, pressure drop)

Bias toward fast and sufficient solutions first, getting useful hardware and test data in hand and iterating toward the intended final state rather than aiming for it out of the gate

Comfort working across the full hardware lifecycle, from drawings and supplier hardware through test, build, and integration.

Propensity to solicit and provide peer review, clearly and concisely document designs and results, and communicate implications for the associated hardware

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

2+ years of experience in mechanical design of hardware that has been built and tested (inclusive of student project team leadership)

Experience creating detailed models and drawings for fabricated hardware

Experience clearly communicating design intent, test results, and hardware implications

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or 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

Pay Range - $100K - $170K

Compensation and Benefits:

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.At Portal, your base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company equity at an exciting time of company growth as well as potential bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage (premiums paid by Portal 100%), access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, paid parental leave, you may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 12 or more paid holidays per year as well as sick time.

ITAR Statement

This position may involve access to technical data and defense-related materials controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). 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

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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