Staff Multi-disciplined (Systems) Engineer
Bothell, WA, USA
Posted on Aug 11, 2026
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.
Staff Multi-disciplined (Systems) Engineer
The Systems Engineering Directorate is seeking an experienced multi-disciplinary engineer with demonstrated capability to apply systems thinking across mission needs, requirements definition, systems architecture and interfaces, and system level integration/verification planning for our space programs.
We strive to establish a hands-on technical systems engineering approach that right-sizes our solution to our teams and missions by using disciplined, lightweight technical artifacts (models, diagrams, interface documents, requirements, and decision records) as needed without the reliance on heavy documentation and onerous process. If Systems is the only organization maintaining and using an artifact or process, it is time to re-examine its utility.
What you will be doing
- Coordinate across engineering disciplines and suppliers
- Drive technical cross-functional consensus on interfaces and requirements
- Perform trade studies and risk assessments
- Support execution from system definition through integration readiness
- Own "tactical execution" with hands-on technical contribution to Portal teams
- Promote and enable technical rigor across teams to ensure consistent system behaviors
- Grow systems thinking within the team(s)
- Analyze tools and methodologies and their applicability to programs/teams.
- Help establish Portal processes, procedures, and standards
Basic Qualifications
- 5 + years of experience working as an individual contributor in more than one relevant engineering discipline on complex or mission-critical systems.
- Experience examining existing industry processes and practices, analyzing applicability, tailoring with traceability
- Experience with one or more design/diagraming/modeling tools. i.e. visio, cameo, rhapsody, mermaid, draw.io
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to decompose, summarize, and communicate complex systems
- Understanding of the advantages, limitations, and drawbacks of AI-enhanced engineering
- Interest in Systems thinking, discipline, and methodologies
- Demonstrated technical curiosity, and ability to learn
- Ability to "own anything". i.e. "I don't know, but I can learn."
- A strong desire to grow, learn, and adapt
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment with high levels of ownership
- 7+ years of related engineering experience across multiple disciplines and/or a Master’s degree with equivalent hands-on depth
- Experience with systems engineering principles and concepts
- Familiarity with space vehicle, space ground operations, or related technical experience
- Strong opinions regarding good systems engineering, and ability to recognize the difference from bad
- Exposure to project management, risk management, requirements, verification and validation, failure analysis, modeling, diagramming, and similar
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership and lead cross-functional interactions, and mentor junior engineers to do the same
- DOORS(or similar requirements management) based PTSD
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.
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