Build Specialist
Portal Space Systems
Portal is seeking a Build Specialist to own hands-on assembly, integration, and test activities across the Portal spacecraft fleet. This role is central to turning intended designs into flight-capable hardware - spanning spacecraft assembly, harnessing, HITL infrastructure, and development testing of propulsion, avionics, and pressure systems. In an early-stage, highly hands-on environment, the Build Specialist will help establish tools, workflows, and facilities while owning build and test execution that directly determines vehicle readiness and mission success.
Responsibilities
- Own hands-on spacecraft assembly, integration, and rework across avionics, power, propulsion, and pressure systems
- Build and evolve HITL and development test setups, including harnessing, fixtures, breakouts, and support hardware
- Establish and improve build procedures, tooling, and workflows as hardware and facilities mature
- Execute and support development, integration, and acceptance testing, including propulsion and thermal thruster test campaigns
- Work closely with engineers to troubleshoot hardware issues, note necessary fixes, and rapidly iterate designs
- Maintain safe, clean, and flight-ready build and test areas, tooling, and infrastructure
- Take ownership of build quality, workmanship standards, and hardware readiness
Basic Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on experience assembling, wiring, and testing hardware for aerospace, propulsion, robotics, energy, automotive, or other high-reliability systems
- Experience fabricating and modifying harnesses or PCBAs in a prototype or production environment
- Comfortable working from engineering sketches, schematics, and evolving test procedures
- Proven ability to lead self and others in an early-stage, fast-moving technical environment
- Strong sense of ownership for safety, quality, and execution under schedule pressure
Preferred skills & Experience
- J-STD-001 certification (or equivalent aerospace soldering certification)
- Experience helping stand up or scale build, integration, or test facilities
- Experience setting up and running DAQs and test instrumentation for fluids, electrical, or mechanical test systems
- Familiarity with spacecraft avionics, power systems, propulsion hardware, or pressure systems
- Experience writing and refining build and test procedures used by both technicians and engineers
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Portal. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage. Portal is planning to establish future access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks. Employees typically have 2-3 weeks of paid vacation per year plus company holidays.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.