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.

Staff Multi-disciplined (Systems) Engineer

Why Portal

Portal Space Systems is building the future of movement in space.

Our mission is bold, but simple: expand humanity's freedom to move, maneuver, and operate beyond Earth. From our headquarters in Bothell, WA, we're designing the vehicles, systems, and capabilities to define the next era of orbital operations. Maneuverable, resilient, and adaptable by design.

At Portal, we believe that small, talented teams can change the trajectory of an industry, and we're building one such team now.

If you want to help shape the future of space, and work shoulder to shoulder with a team of like-minded peers who are energized by hard problems, rapid iteration, and meaningful impact, Portal is the place to do it. Welcome.

How you can help

The Systems Engineering Directorate is seeking an experienced multi-disciplinary engineer with demonstrated capability to apply systems thinking across mission needs, requirements definition, systems architecture and interfaces, and system level integration/verification planning for our space programs.

We strive to establish a hands-on technical systems engineering approach that right-sizes our solution to our teams and missions by using disciplined, lightweight technical artifacts (models, diagrams, interface documents, requirements, and decision records) as needed without the reliance on heavy documentation and onerous process. If Systems is the only organization maintaining and using an artifact or process, it is time to re-examine its utility.

What you will be doing

Coordinate across engineering disciplines and suppliers
Drive technical cross-functional consensus on interfaces and requirements
Perform trade studies and risk assessments
Support execution from system definition through integration readiness
Own "tactical execution" with hands-on technical contribution to Portal teams
Promote and enable technical rigor across teams to ensure consistent system behaviors
Grow systems thinking within the team(s)
Analyze tools and methodologies and their applicability to programs/teams.
Help establish Portal processes, procedures, and standards

Basic Qualifications

5 + years of experience working as an individual contributor in more than one relevant engineering discipline on complex or mission-critical systems.
Experience examining existing industry processes and practices, analyzing applicability, tailoring with traceability
Experience with one or more design/diagraming/modeling tools. i.e. visio, cameo, rhapsody, mermaid, draw.io

Preferred Skills & Experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proven ability to decompose, summarize, and communicate complex systems
Understanding of the advantages, limitations, and drawbacks of AI-enhanced engineering
Interest in Systems thinking, discipline, and methodologies
Demonstrated technical curiosity, and ability to learn
Ability to "own anything". i.e. "I don't know, but I can learn."
A strong desire to grow, learn, and adapt
Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment with high levels of ownership
7+ years of related engineering experience across multiple disciplines and/or a Master’s degree with equivalent hands-on depth
Experience with systems engineering principles and concepts
Familiarity with space vehicle, space ground operations, or related technical experience
Strong opinions regarding good systems engineering, and ability to recognize the difference from bad
Exposure to project management, risk management, requirements, verification and validation, failure analysis, modeling, diagramming, and similar
Demonstrated ability to take ownership and lead cross-functional interactions, and mentor junior engineers to do the same
DOORS(or similar requirements management) based PTSD

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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