Senior Propulsion Engineer

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 GITAI is developing solid rocket motors in-house to support demanding space and national security missions. We are looking for a hands-on Senior Propulsion Engineer who can take technical ownership of a critical area within our solid rocket motor development program. Depending on your expertise, you will lead a specific area of propulsion development, from requirements and design through manufacturing, testing, and performance validation. You will be responsible for the technical success of your area while working closely with mechanical, manufacturing, avionics, controls, and test teams to deliver a fully integrated rocket motor. This is a hands-on engineering role with significant technical leadership and decision-making responsibility. Areas of Technical Ownership Depending on your expertise, you may lead one of the following areas: Propellant & Internal Ballistics: Propellant formulation, combustion characteristics, grain design, motor performance, processing methods, manufacturing consistency, and quality control. Insulation / Liner / Ablation: Thermal protection materials, insulation and liner design, material selection, bonding processes, thermal analysis, ablation testing, and manufacturing validation. Ignition / Nozzle / TVC: Ignition system performance, nozzle design and performance, erosion and thermal behavior, thrust vector control, and integration with mechanical and controls systems. Motor Integration, Build & Test: Motor assembly and integration, configuration management, test planning and execution, performance-data analysis, failure investigation, and design validation. 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, performance targets, technical risks, and validation. Lead the development, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion hardware, materials, or processes relevant to your expertise. Define technical requirements, acceptance criteria, and verification methods for your area. Analyze test results, investigate failures, identify root causes, and drive design or process improvements. Make technical tradeoffs involving propulsion performance, reliability, manufacturability, safety, and development speed. Work directly with engineers and technicians during manufacturing, assembly, integration, and hot-fire testing. Provide technical direction, review engineering work, and guide other engineers within your area of expertise. Work closely with other engineering teams to resolve technical challenges, manage interfaces, and ensure your work integrates successfully into the complete rocket motor system. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related technical field. 5+ years of relevant professional experience in solid rocket propulsion, energetic materials, combustion, thermal protection, or closely related propulsion hardware development. Demonstrated ability to independently lead the technical development of at least one of the areas listed above, from development through manufacturing and testing. Deep technical understanding of your area of expertise, including its underlying physics, engineering constraints, and validation methods. Hands-on experience developing, manufacturing, testing, or validating propulsion hardware, materials, or processes. Demonstrated ability to analyze technical problems, make independent engineering decisions, and implement improvements based on test results. Ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and deliver results under aggressive development schedules. 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 national security programs this role may support and potential security clearance requirements. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience developing or testing solid rocket motors or their major subsystems. Specialized experience in propellant chemistry, internal ballistics, thermal protection, ignition systems, nozzle performance, thrust vector control, or motor integration and testing. Experience planning and executing static-fire tests, analyzing motor performance, or investigating propulsion failures. Experience developing manufacturing processes and improving quality or repeatability of propulsion hardware or materials. Experience taking propulsion hardware from early development through qualification or flight readiness. Experience reviewing technical work, guiding other engineers, or leading the development of a specialized propulsion subsystem. Experience working in small, vertically integrated hardware teams with rapid design-build-test cycles. Location & Employment Details Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Torrance, CA (onsite). Travel to test sites (including Mojave and the greater Los Angeles area) is expected based on program needs. Salary Range: $155,000 – $200,000 per year + equity (commensurate with experience) Typical Work Hours: Monday to Friday, approximately 9:00am – 6:00pm (onsite). Flexibility is expected based on mission schedules and program needs. 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 Mission-Driven Culture – Work alongside passionate teammates on real space hardware Cutting-Edge Work – Direct access to next-gen space robotics and flight hardware 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.