Build Specialist

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

• 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

• 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

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  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.

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.