Aerospace

Senior Concentrator Build Engineer

Bothell, WAOnsiteFull TimeSenior$130,000–$170,000 /yrPosted 5 days ago

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Required skills

composite supplier
process controls
supplier quality engineering
final assembly
configuration trades
qualification
in-house composite capability
materials
layup
cure

Nice to have

NDT
deployable spacecraft structures
mechanisms
deployment testing
gravity offload
manufacturing capability

Role summary

The Senior Concentrator Build Engineer is responsible for the entire lifecycle of the concentrator, from composite supplier engagement through final deployment. This role involves providing subject matter expertise on composites to supplier quality engineers, leading final assembly and integration, and collaborating with design engineering on manufacturability and configuration. The engineer will also build business cases for future in-house composite capabilities. Key responsibilities include supporting hardware design, providing design-for-manufacturability input, conducting make/buy analyses, serving as the technical lead with composite vendors to ensure part quality through process controls, defining acceptance criteria, leading root cause analysis for supplier defects, and owning the assembly, tooling development, and testing of the concentrator. The role requires strong troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills, with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field or equivalent experience, and at least 4 years of experience with composite hardware in aerospace or similar high-reliability environments.

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 Senior Concentrator Build Engineer owns the concentrator from composite supplier through deployment. The role works directly with composite vendors on their processes and process controls including traveling to their facilities. This work is done by providing subject matter expertise of composites to Portal’s supplier quality engineering on formal supplier quality activities. In-house, the role leads final assembly of the concentrator blades, their integration into the full concentrator, and deployment of the assembly. It works with design engineering on design for manufacturability, configuration trades, and qualification, and builds the business case for any future in-house composite capability.

Core Responsibilities

Concentrator Design

Support the design and development of concentrator hardware, including configuration trades, early development testing of materials and process techniques, and vendor capability analysis

Provide design-for-manufacturability input that reflects supplier capability and process control

Build make/buy analyses that weigh cost, schedule, and technical risk to inform any near term needs and future savings through in-house composite capability

Composite Vendor Partnership

Serve as the technical lead with composite vendors, understanding their materials, layup, cure, and bonding processes to identify the parameters that drive part quality

Work with vendors to establish in-process controls, such as process parameter monitoring, witness coupons, and process capability data, that reduce the need for end-item inspection and NDT

Define acceptance criteria and inspection plans sized to the process risk, and reduce inspection as process control is demonstrated

Lead technical root cause on supplier defects, and partner with the supplier quality engineer on formal corrective action, audits, and supplier approval

Support schedule and delivery planning with vendors, and identify technical risks to delivery early

Concentrator Assembly and Test

Own assembly of the concentrator, including process development, critical features and inspections, documentation, assembly tooling, and handling methods

Develop the tooling for the deployment of the concentrator, including drawings, tolerance analysis, alignment precision, and control logic

Quality control and issue resolution of concentrator assemblies and components

Plan and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of the concentrator

What You Bring To Portal

Efficient and technical troubleshooting prowess, using experience and technical resources to resolve immediate issues and work towards permanent resolution

Significant expertise in composites fabrication, with experience in spacecraft assembly, or large deployable structures

Understands GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and can make engineering drawings for tooling

Experience working on spacecraft and the technical requirements unique to space products, such as cleanliness standards, ESD requirements, and material compatibility in extreme environments

Efficient and clear communication via written and verbal methods

Works well with other teams and groups, providing support and feedback

Ability to prioritize and organize workload to meet company goals and objectives

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or 6 years of relevant experience.

4+ years of experience with composite hardware in aerospace, spacecraft, high-reliability hardware, advanced manufacturing, or a similar hardware development environment.

Working knowledge of composite fabrication processes (layup, cure, bonding) and the process parameters that drive part quality

Experience designing tooling from concept, 3D modeling, fabrication, and implementation

Experience developing and executing manufacturing processes, work instructions, assembly procedures, and build documentation.

Experience working directly with hardware suppliers on technical requirements, process issues, and defect resolution.

Experience authoring, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, schematics, BOMs, and technical specifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on experience with multiple composites including fabrication, qualification, NDT, and process control

7+ years in spacecraft manufacturing, testing, and design

Direct experience taking a composite product from initial brainstorming through development, qualification, and manufacturing

Experience with deployable spacecraft structures or mechanisms, including deployment testing and gravity offload

Experience standing up a new manufacturing capability or building a make/buy business case

Pay Range $130K - $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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