Build Specialist

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.

Position Summary 

The Build Specialist builds Portal’s first spacecraft hardware: the development units, the qualification units, and the first flight unit. Working alongside design, analysis, and manufacturing engineering, you will fabricate tooling and developmental hardware from sketches and conversations, plan and execute builds of rapidly evolving designs, and help stand up the development space where our spacecraft are built and tested. You’ll work hands-on across welding, fabrication, and rigging, with minimal oversight, using your judgment to anticipate the problems that someone simply following build instructions would miss. Our designs evolve with every build, so this role is about getting a small number of one-of-a-kind units built well, tested well, and documented well, not ramping a production line. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Build Spacecraft Hardware – Build development, qualification, and flight hardware, from components through integrated assemblies, with minimal oversight and a high standard of workmanship. 

• Build Planning and Execution – Author and execute assembly sequences, integration strategies, tooling requirements, and build plans for new and rapidly evolving hardware, catching problems in drawings and procedures before they become nonconformances. 

• Tooling and Development Space Build-Out – Design and fabricate in-house tooling, fixtures, and equipment from sketches and discussions, and help build out the development space for spacecraft builds and tests. 

• Welding – Perform AWS-certified welds on tooling and equipment, and support development and qualification of flight welds. 

• Handling and Rigging – Plan and perform safe lifting, handling, and rigging of spacecraft hardware and ground support equipment and support the maintenance of Portal’s lifting equipment and processes. 

• Build Records and Traceability – Maintain hardware configuration, traceability, build records, deviations, nonconformances, and as-built documentation for every unit through first flight. 

• Cross-Functional Coordination – Serve as the hands-on interface between design, analysis, manufacturing engineering, quality, and test, providing design-for-assembly and design-for-test feedback early. 

• Lessons Learned – Capture what each build and test teaches and feed it into improved tooling, procedures, and the next design iteration. 

What You Bring to Portal 

• Extreme Ownership – Operate with minimal oversight, driving towards company goals, solving problems, and thriving on a small team where you own your work  

• Hands-On Technical Expertise – Strong mechanical and electromechanical aptitude with the ability to assemble, integrate, troubleshoot, modify, and validate complex aerospace hardware 

• Adaptability Under Pressure – Build from sketches, conversations, and incomplete information, and respond quickly to test anomalies, design changes, and shifting priorities without sacrificing safety or quality. 

• Bias for Execution – Willing to work directly with the hardware, make technically sound decisions, escalate issues when necessary, and drive problems through resolution. 

• Cross-Functional, Clear Communication – Effectively communicate technical issues and solutions across our engineering teams and deliver robust, clear documentation in real-time and for future planning of complex activities. 

• Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail - Maintain a high standard of workmanship, configuration control, hardware trackability and documentation appropriate for flight hardware. 

Basic Qualifications 

• 3+ years of hands-on experience fabricating one-off parts and tooling for aerospace, defense, automotive, and other complex hardware industries. 

• AWS D1.2, D1.6, or D1.1 welding certification in the past 5 years. 

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, schematics, specifications, BOMs, technical work instructions, napkin sketches, white-board concepts, and other documents. 

• Experience using precision measurement equipment, hand tools, torque tooling, manual/CNC milling machines and specialized assembly equipment while holding high workmanship standards. 

• Experience operating forklifts, hoists, and overhead cranes. 

• Able to lift 35 lbs overhead.  

• Stand unassisted for 2+ hours at a time. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience designing and fabricating shop aids and tools. 

• AWS D17.1 welding certification in the past 5 years with experience performing orbital tube welding. 

• NCCCO Rigger or other certificate for rigging and lifting. 

• Experience using a Manufacturing Execution System. 

• 2+ years of experience building spacecraft or airplanes. 

Pay Range - $38 - $60/ hour

Compensation and Benefits:

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

At Portal, your base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company equity at an exciting time of company growth as well as potential bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage (premiums paid by Portal 100%), access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, paid parental leave, you may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 12 or more paid holidays per year as well as sick time. 

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.