Propulsion Systems Build Engineer

Portalsystems; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Bothell, WA, is seeking a Propulsion Systems Build Engineer to lead the development and delivery of propulsion systems for its vehicle family. The ideal candidate will have over 4 years of experience in aerospace hardware, proficiency in propellant management, and strong troubleshooting skills. They will work closely with internal teams and suppliers while focusing on quality and innovative solutions in propulsion technology. Join us to enable high-mobility spaceflight to orbit!

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in aerospace or high-reliability hardware.
• Hands-on support for hardware qualification, integration, or testing.
• Experience with propellant storage and fluid handling systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop qualified propellant feed and management systems.
• Source and qualify lightweight propellant storage hardware.
• Lead engagement with suppliers on propulsion hardware.

Skills

Experience developing propulsion systems

Hands-on hardware qualification

Supplier engagement

Troubleshooting skills

Job description

We are seeking a Propulsion Systems Build Engineer to own the development, demonstration, qualification, and delivery of propulsion systems across Portal’s vehicle family. This engineer will work across thrusters, pressurization hardware, propellant storage, and attitude control systems - partnering closely with suppliers and internal teams to turn concepts into flight-ready hardware. The role spans development, test, qualification, and launch-provider-ready delivery across disciplines of mission, avionics, structures, thermal, additive, and environmental engineering. Join us in building simple, scalable propulsion systems that bring high-mobility spaceflight to orbit!

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver qualified propellant feed and management systems by working closely with propulsion, fluids, and thermal engineering teams
• Own the development, sourcing, and qualification of lightweight propellant storage hardware in partnership with internal fluids teams and external suppliers
• Lead technical engagement with suppliers and designers developing propulsion hardware including ACS components, valves, and related subsystems
• Build internal propulsion qualification campaigns and test infrastructure to evaluate system and vehicle performance
• Rapidly prototype next‑generation concepts to enable scalable vehicle architectures, including in‑space propellant management and refueling

Basic Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience developing, integrating, or testing propulsion, fluid, or pressure systems for aerospace or other high‑reliability hardware platform
• Hands‑on support of hardware qualification, integration, or development testing for aerospace or similar systems
• Direct experience working with suppliers or external partners to test and deliver technical hardware components
• Familiarity with propellant storage, fluid handling, or pressure system hardware such as tanks, valves, and regulators in development of spacecraft or similar systems

Preferred skills & Experience

• Systems‑level understanding of spacecraft propulsion systems and their impact on vehicle design and operations
• Ability to plan and execute propulsion hardware qualification campaigns aligned with launch provider or aerospace standards (SMC‑S‑016, AIAA, or similar)
• Ability to design and interpret propulsion tests, including fluid, pressure, and thermal performance evaluations
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills across fluid, pressure, and electromechanical systems
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly across engineering disciplines and external suppliers