Hands-on Spacecraft TVAC Test Engineer

Portalsystems; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Portal Space Systems in Bothell, WA builds spacecraft for the next era of orbital operations and seeks a Thermal Test Engineer to advance its in-house TVAC capability. You will commission and operate the TVAC chamber, design test setups, and deliver fully documented as-run data in collaboration with Thermal Analysis and Vehicle Test teams.

You will lead test campaigns, develop chamber procedures, calibrate instrumentation, and ensure safety and data quality across component to vehicle level

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in aerospace hardware testing or TVAC facilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute component-, subsystem-, and vehicle-level thermal-cycle and TVAC tests.
• Operate the TVAC chamber and serve as test conductor during campaigns.
• Commission, characterize, and improve in-house TVAC capabilities.
• Develop chamber operating procedures, readiness checks, and safety controls.
• Design and implement thermal test setups and ground-support equipment.
• Install and document thermocouples, heaters, and data-acquisition channels.
• Define vacuum, ramp-rate, temperature, dwell, and data-recording parameters.
• Lead readiness activities and contribute to integrated test plans and reviews.
• Monitor tests, troubleshoot issues, and ensure data quality and traceability.
• Deliver validated as-run data and calibration records to relevant teams.

Skills

TVAC testing

Chamber operation

Instrumentation

Test planning

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

Portal Space Systems in Bothell, WA builds spacecraft for the next era of orbital operations and seeks a Thermal Test Engineer to advance its in-house TVAC capability. You will commission and operate the TVAC chamber, design test setups, and deliver fully documented as-run data in collaboration with Thermal Analysis and Vehicle Test teams.

You will lead test campaigns, develop chamber procedures, calibrate instrumentation, and ensure safety and data quality across component to vehicle level