Mission Engineer

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

Portal is seeking a Mission Engineer reporting to the Chief Product Officer. This is a multi-disciplinary role with an exciting opportunity to help shape a wide range of functions and systems at Portal spanning mission design, planning, and operations. Broadly, you will make orbital missions a success at Portal.

Early focus will center on mission operations; however, the role will present opportunities for upstream work in mission and trajectory design, mission and vehicle performance studies, and external engagement with launch vehicle, regulatory, and customer stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities

Mission Operations

• Plan and execute operations on console in Portal’s Mission Control Center
• Develop protocols and train fellow engineers for console operations
• Generate GUIs, procedures, alerts, and mission rules
• Schedule ground passes, spacecraft tasks and maneuvers, and coordinate with external space traffic coordination groups
• Develop automations to increase capability of a growing fleet while reducing burden on operators

Mission Design

• Develop Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for upcoming missions
• Develop and execute 3DOF (degree of freedom) simulations to identify unique mission capabilities and solutions
• Track vehicle performance and perform vehicle trade studies to achieve customer needs

Mission Management

• Identify and manage mission needs and customer requirements
• Identify, plan, and close launch, regulatory, and customer deliverables
• Coordinate internally with Program Management, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure mission success and on-time delivery
• Plan detailed logistics for launch campaigns and support activities at the launch site

…and other duties as assigned. We’re a startup – expect a wide range of learning & development & leadership opportunities.

What You Bring to Portal

This is a formative role in a startup engaged in real mission operations. Successful candidates demonstrate extreme ownership: they embrace ambiguity and broad responsibilities with an ability to distill concepts into disciplined operations with rigorous attention to detail.

The ideal candidate will come with a deep functional knowledge in one or more spacecraft disciplines, and experience spanning design/analysis, development & test/launch/mission operations.

Basic Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in launch vehicle or spacecraft development or operations
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Experience in development engineering or similar activities that require ownership across several portions of the product lifecycle
• Experience in test, launch, or mission operations, or other similar activities requiring real-time operations support

Bonus Points

• Experience obtaining regulatory approvals from FCC, ITU, NOAA, Range, etc.
• Deep familiarity with SSCMAN 91-710, SMC-S-016, and/or SMC-S-025
• Direct familiarity with one or more space traffic coordination systems
• Experience with 3DOF simulation tools such as STK, Copernicus, FreeFlyer
• Demonstrated past ownership and successful delivery of complex systems
• Willingness to obtain security clearance

Work Expectations

• Primarily onsite support with travel up to 25% time
• Willingness to support in real-time mission operations with shifting on-call support

Pay Range: $130,000 - $175,000

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.