Propulsion Test Lead — Thrusters & Vacuum Systems

Portal Space Systems; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Portal Space Systems is a Bothell, WA–based company focused on space mobility. We seek a Propulsion Test Engineer to lead thruster testing and to stand up major test facilities in a fast-moving, safety-conscious environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, mentoring, and collaboration with hardware owners to drive data-backed decisions, from early development to qualification stages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field
• Experience developing and commissioning test stands or test facilities
• Experience defining and executing high pressure, vacuum, and hazardous test operations
• Experience leading test campaigns and mentoring engineers

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion test planning across thruster, feed system, and pressurant system development, partnering with hardware owners and propulsion leadership on test priorities, schedule, and resourcing
• Stand up and commission a large vacuum chamber facility, bringing up sufficient test capability first and iterating toward the full facility
• Define test stand DAQ and control architectures and develop AI-assisted automation and data processing to rapidly turn test data into hardware decisions
• Define thruster test instrumentation and diagnostics to measure performance (thrust, propellant flow, temperatures, and pressures)
• Define and execute hazardous operations procedures for ammonia, high pressure, vacuum, and high power systems

Skills

Test planning

Mentoring engineers

Hazardous operations awareness

Data quality and reporting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

NI DAQ hardware

AI-assisted automation tools

Job description

Portal Space Systems is a Bothell, WA–based company focused on space mobility. We seek a Propulsion Test Engineer to lead thruster testing and to stand up major test facilities in a fast-moving, safety-conscious environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, mentoring, and collaboration with hardware owners to drive data-backed decisions, from early development to qualification stages.