Systems Program Manager - Business Ops

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

We are seeking a Systems Program Manager. At Portal, our SPM’s don’t just write requirements — they own delivery. This role combines technical system architecture with program management to take vehicle subsystems from design through flight. You’ll be driving schedule, scope, budget, and technical performance for critical flight hardware, working directly with engineering, manufacturing, test, and launch ops.

What You’ll Own

• System Architecture & Requirements: Define subsystem requirements, verification plans, and ICDs. Balance technical trades for mass, reliability, cost, and schedule. Tools: DOORS, SysML, MBSE.
• Program Execution: Build and manage integrated master schedules for your hardware scope. Lead weekly program reviews, track critical path, and drive resolution of blockers across design, supply chain, and production.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Run integrated product teams with GNC, avionics, propulsion, structures, and test. Be the technical point of contact for executives during mission readiness reviews.
• Hardware Delivery: Drive DFM, lean manufacturing, and supplier coordination. Resolve anomalies in real-time during integration and launch campaigns.
• Test & Qualification: Define qualification campaigns including shock, vibe, thermal, and vacuum testing. Perform structural, modal, and thermal analysis in ANSYS/NX to close requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Redefine programmatic requirements to increase design efficiency. Develop libraries, standards, and processes that scale with flight cadence goals.

Basic Qualifications

• 6 + years in aerospace systems engineering and/or technical program management with flight hardware
• Demonstrated ownership of complex mechanical or avionics systems through design, test, and launch
• Experience managing schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams to deliver on aggressive timelines
• Proficiency with CAD, FEA, PLM, and requirements management tools: NX/Creo, ANSYS, Windchill, DOORS
• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct launch operations experience: supported 4+ launch cycles as engineering authority
• Led system architecture redesigns
• M.S. in Engineering or MBA
• Background in AS9100, IPC/MIL standards, HIL testing, and lean manufacturing

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.