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Portal Space Systems is building spacecraft for the next era of orbital operations, with a focus on maneuverability, resilience, and adaptability. The Thermal Test Engineer is a hands-on role responsible for commissioning and maintaining in-house thermal-vacuum (TVAC) capability, designing test setups and ground-support equipment, operating the chamber, and serving as test conductor.
Key responsibilities include planning and executing component-, subsystem-, and vehicle-level thermal-cycle and TVAC tests; personally operating the TVAC chamber during test campaigns; commissioning, characterizing, and improving in-house thermal-vacuum test capability; developing chamber operating procedures, standard work, readiness checks, and operator training; designing and implementing thermal test setups including fixtures, harnessing, heater circuits, and thermocouple layouts; installing, routing, labeling, calibrating, and documenting instrumentation and data-acquisition channels; defining and verifying vacuum, shroud, temperature, and other test parameters in coordination with technical leads; leading chamber readiness activities and contributing to integrated test plans and Test Readiness Reviews; monitoring test execution and troubleshooting facility issues; delivering validated as-run data, calibration records, and operational reports; and coordinating personnel, shift coverage, and safety controls.
Basic qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering (or equivalent experience) and 2+ years of relevant experience. Preferred qualifications include experience commissioning aerospace TVAC facilities, designing thermal fixtures and test GSE, testing spacecraft hardware, familiarity with Python or MATLAB for test automation, leading Test Readiness Reviews, hands-on TVAC chamber operation, and experience with thermocouples, heaters, vacuum systems, and data-acquisition systems.
This is an onsite, hands-on role. Shift work, nights, and weekends will periodically be required during test campaigns. Minor travel may be required to support external testing. The position may involve access to ITAR-controlled technical data; U.S. person status is required.
