Senior Mechanical Engineer, Interceptor

Job description

Who We Are GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation of hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions. At our core is the space robotics technology that has defined GITAI from the beginning. A small, highly capable engineering team applies that foundation across satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware for applications such as Earth observation. Today, a major focus of our work is supporting U.S. national security missions, particularly through proliferated LEO satellite constellations and other next-generation space systems. We design, build, integrate, and test much of our hardware in-house. Electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams work closely together, allowing a small team to own complete systems rather than isolated components. This vertical integration helps us move quickly, learn directly from hardware, and shorten the path from architecture to a working system. We are still early. The systems, the company, and the market are all being built at the same time. Requirements change, technical problems are often ambiguous, and many answers do not yet exist. We are looking for exceptional engineers and operators who want broad ownership, can work across disciplines, and are willing to stay close to the hardware until the mission succeeds. About the Role We are looking for a hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer who can take technical ownership of a critical hardware area within our interceptor development program. Depending on your expertise, you will lead a specific area of mechanical development, from requirements and detailed design through manufacturing, integration, testing, and validation. You will be responsible for the technical success of your area while working closely with propulsion, avionics, controls, and systems engineering teams. This is a senior individual contributor role with significant technical leadership and decision-making responsibility, not necessarily a people management position. Areas of Technical Ownership Depending on your expertise, you may lead one of the following areas: Motor Case & Manufacturing: Motor case design, structural analysis, material selection, manufacturing processes, tooling, quality control, and proof/burst testing. Ignition / Nozzle / TVC Mechanical Hardware: Mechanical design of ignition hardware, nozzle structures, thrust vectoring mechanisms, seals, and related mechanical and thermal interfaces. Motor Integration, Build & Test: Mechanical integration, assembly procedures, configuration management, test hardware, inspection, and resolution of manufacturing and test issues. Interceptor Structures & Mechanical Interfaces: Vehicle structures, motor mounts, avionics packaging, internal mechanisms, subsystem interfaces, and ground-support equipment. We are looking for deep expertise in at least one of these areas, not experience across all of them. Key Responsibilities Take technical ownership of your assigned area, including requirements, design decisions, hardware deliverables, technical risks, and verification. Lead mechanical development through 3D CAD, engineering calculations, detailed drawings, design reviews, fabrication, assembly, and testing. Make technical tradeoffs involving structural integrity, weight, manufacturability, reliability, cost, and development speed. Work directly with machinists, technicians, suppliers, and other engineers to resolve manufacturing and integration challenges. Plan and support hardware testing, investigate failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions. Define and manage mechanical interfaces with other engineering disciplines to ensure successful subsystem and vehicle integration. Provide technical direction, review designs, and guide other engineers within your area of expertise. Work closely with other engineering teams to resolve technical challenges, manage interfaces, and ensure your designs integrate successfully into the complete interceptor system. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field. 5+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience in rocketry, missiles, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, or a closely related aerospace field. Demonstrated ability to independently lead the technical development of at least one of the areas listed above, from design through manufacturing and testing. Strong hands-on mechanical design capability, including 3D CAD, production drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis, material selection, and design for manufacturing and assembly. Strong practical understanding of structural mechanics, load paths, thermal effects, vibration, shock, and engineering calculations. Experience making independent technical decisions and solving complex hardware problems under demanding schedules. Experience working directly with manufacturing, assembly, and test teams. Ability to work onsite in Torrance, CA, and travel to remote test sites as required. U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of the government programs this role may support and potential security clearance requirements. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience developing rocket, missile, or propulsion-related flight hardware. Specialized experience in pressure vessels, rocket motor cases, high-temperature mechanical systems, lightweight structures, thrust vectoring hardware, or mechanical integration. Experience with structural, environmental, proof pressure, or qualification testing. Experience leading hardware development from early prototypes through qualification or flight readiness. Experience reviewing designs, guiding other engineers, or serving as the technical lead for a complex subsystem. Experience working in small, vertically integrated hardware teams with rapid design-build-test cycles. Location & Position Type Torrance, CA / Full-time, Exempt This is a full-time onsite role based at GITAI’s office in Torrance, CA. This position requires working onsite five days per week. Remote or hybrid work is not expected for this role. This position is expected to spend approximately 50% of its time traveling to or working at test sites, primarily in the Mojave Desert and other locations outside the Los Angeles area. Field assignments may involve multi-day stays, early departures, long test days, changing schedules, outdoor work, dust, heat, cold, and occasional evening or weekend work. Compensation The annual base salary range for this position is expected to be $155,000 to $200,000. Actual compensation and final level will be determined based on relevant experience, demonstrated mechanical-design capability, hands-on manufacturing and test experience, and other job-related factors. This position is also eligible for stock options and company benefits. Benefits Health Insurance – Platinum medical plan with 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees; 90% for dependents 401(k) Plan – Company match up to 3.5%, with traditional and Roth options Equity – Stock option eligibility depending on role Relocation Support – Available for qualifying positions Time Off – 12 paid holidays per year, 12 days of paid vacation per year, and paid sick leave (in accordance with applicable law) Office Perks – Free snacks and drinks, plus regular team events GITAI does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing or recruiting agencies. We work only with recruiting partners that have been specifically engaged by GITAI. No fees will be paid for resumes submitted without a prior agreement. Compensation may include base salary or hourly pay and, depending on the position, equity. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other job-related factors. LA salary range $155,000 — $200,000 USD Important Notice Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), GITAI Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. GITAI USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with GITAI USA is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.