Own the structural finite element model (FEM) for primary and secondary spacecraft structures and maintain configuration control
Perform stress, deflection, stability, and margin of safety analyses using FEM and first-principles hand calculations
Substantiate metallic and composite structures, including strength, stiffness, and buckling assessments
Develop and document structural verification approaches, assumptions, and acceptance rationale
Support design trades and architecture decisions through analytical assessment of load paths and structural efficiency
Partner directly with design engineers to validate and optimize primary and secondary structural designs for strength, stiffness, weight, cost, and manufacturability

Additional Responsibilities – Analysis Automation & Cross-Functional Support

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Develop Python-based tools to automate analysis workflows, post-processing, and margin reporting
Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test teams to resolve structural issues and assess nonconformances
Support structural qualification and acceptance testing, including pre-test predictions and post-test correlation
Contribute to structural documentation, analysis reports, and verification artifacts

Basic Qualifications

2–5 years of experience in spacecraft structural analysis, primary structures, or structural substantiation roles
Experience performing stress, deflection, buckling, and margin of safety assessments using FEM and hand calculations
Proficiency developing and maintaining structural finite element models using FEMAP/Nastran or Siemens Simcenter 3D
Experience substantiating metallic and composite spacecraft structures, including load path validation
Experience owning or supporting structural verification efforts through analysis and test
Proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB for analysis automation, data reduction, and reporting
Experience using version control systems such as Git in an engineering analysis environment
BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline

Preferred skills & Experience

Strong ability to perform structural stress analysis and margin of safety calculations for primary and secondary spacecraft structures
Deep understanding of load paths, structural behavior, and failure modes in metallic and composite structures
Ability to build, interrogate, and validate finite element models using first-principles reasoning
Proficiency in developing and applying hand calculations to verify and bound FEM results
Ability to automate analysis post-processing and verification reporting using Python or MATLAB
Clear technical communication skills for documenting assumptions, methods, and structural substantiation rationale

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.

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