Lead Space Mechanisms Engineer (Flight‑Critical)

Portal Space Systems; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Portal Space Systems is seeking a Senior Mechanisms Engineer to own the full lifecycle of high‑reliability spacecraft mechanisms. You will design actuators, latches, deployment hinges, and related assemblies for mission critical hardware.

Collaboration across structures, avionics, thermal, and manufacturing is essential to ensure successful flight operations. You will apply engineering analysis, GD&T, and life‑cycle planning while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to Portal’s design

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing mechanisms or complex mechanical systems for spacecraft or high‑reliability aerospace hardware.
• Ownership of hardware projects from concept through test.
• Experience with launch space environments: vibration, vacuum, thermal cycling.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete lifecycle of spacecraft mechanisms from requirements to flight support.
• Define architectures for accurate positioning, repeatable alignment, and reliable operation.
• Translate requirements into mechanism performance specs (deployment, torque, preload, margins).
• Perform kinematic, dynamic, structural, and tolerance analyses to guide design decisions.
• Create GD&T compliant drawings (ASME Y14.5) and define assembly/verification methods.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria; document results and dispositions.
• Balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and schedule in design choices.
• Support integration, launch activities, and mission operations; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Mechanisms design

Ownership of hardware projects

Engineering analysis

Space environment experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

CATIA / Creo

FEM / FEA tools (Nastran/ANSYS)

Job description

Portal Space Systems is seeking a Senior Mechanisms Engineer to own the full lifecycle of high‑reliability spacecraft mechanisms. You will design actuators, latches, deployment hinges, and related assemblies for mission critical hardware.

Collaboration across structures, avionics, thermal, and manufacturing is essential to ensure successful flight operations. You will apply engineering analysis, GD&T, and life‑cycle planning while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to Portal’s design