Materials Composites Build Engineer
at Portal Space Systems · 11-50 employees
Series A · $50M · Apr 2026
- Location
- Bothell, WA
- Posted
- 5d ago
at Portal Space Systems · 11-50 employees
Portal Space Systems develops solar thermal propulsion systems for high-speed in-space maneuvering.
<div class="content-intro"><h3>About Portal</h3> <p>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.</p></div><h3>About the Role</h3> <p>We are seeking a Materials Composites Build Engineer to be responsible for the development and delivery of non-metallic solutions across the Portal vehicle family, focusing primarily on lightweight and deployable mirror structures for the Supernova vehicle. This role works in concert with design and mission engineers to develop a structure, manufacturing process, and test regime for delivering high-precision composite surfaces for current and future spacecraft missions. Join us in developing simple, scalable solutions that bring high-mobility spacecraft to orbit!</p> <p> </p> <h3>Responsibilities</h3> <ul type="disc"> <li>Develop composite mirror architecture and sub-assemblies in partnership with designers and external partners</li> <li>Select and manage partner vendors to develop demo units and prepare for production scaling</li> <li>Own and simplify non-metallic polymers, bonds, and materials across multiple vehicles</li> <li>Develop qualification and production test processes for primary and secondary non-metallic structures</li> </ul> <p> </p> <h3>Basic Qualifications</h3> <ul type="disc"> <li>3 + years of experience developing and testing composite structures, or similarly process-intensive assemblies in an engineering capacity</li> <li>Experience steering the development and qualification of composite spacecraft structures</li> <li>Direct experience working with suppliers or external partners to develop and deliver on complex composites needs</li> <li>Experience supporting hardware qualification, integration, or development testing to meet aerospace standards (SMC-S-016 or similar specifications)</li> </ul> <p> </p> <h3>Preferred Skills & Experience</h3> <ul type="disc"> <li>Deep knowledge of polymers, coatings, and processes as applicable to spacecraft and the space environment</li> <li>Functional proficiency with NX (or similar CAD), as well as manufacturing planning and execution programs</li> <li>Proven ability to communicate technical concepts clearly across engineering disciplines and external suppliers</li> </ul> <p> </p><div class="content-conclusion"><div class="cms-body__content-block"> <h3 class="h2">ITAR Statement</h3> <div class="cms-static-wrapper"> <div class="p-m"> <p>This position may involve access to technical data and defense-related materials controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). <strong>Eligibility to access ITAR-controlled items requires that candidates be U.S. persons</strong>, 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.</p> </div> <div class="p-m"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cms-body__content-block"> <h3 class="h2">Equal Opportunity Statement</h3> <div class="cms-static-wrapper"> <div class="p-m"> <p>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.</p> </div> </div> </div></div>