Senior Mechanical Engineer, Interceptor

Who We Are:

GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation of hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions.

A highly capable engineering team applies space robotics technology across satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware. Electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams work closely together to design, build, integrate, and test hardware in-house.

Your Mission:

Lead the mechanical development of interceptor hardware from early architecture through prototype manufacturing, integration, field testing, and redesign.

Own complex mechanical systems across vehicle structures, propulsion interfaces, avionics packaging, internal mechanisms, test hardware, and ground-support equipment. Make critical design decisions, resolve cross-functional problems, provide technical direction, review other engineers' work, and remain close to the hardware through testing.

What You’ll Drive:

• Own the mechanical architecture and detailed design of interceptor hardware, including structures, motor mounts and interfaces, avionics packaging, mechanisms, enclosures, test fixtures, and ground-support equipment.
• Translate incomplete requirements, loads, environmental conditions, packaging constraints, and subsystem interfaces into practical mechanical designs.
• Lead hardware through CAD, drawings, design reviews, supplier coordination, fabrication, inspection, assembly, integration, testing, failure investigation, and redesign.
• Provide technical direction and design review to junior and mid-level engineers.
• Work directly with machinists, technicians, suppliers, and engineers to resolve manufacturing, assembly, and integration issues.
• Plan and execute structural, environmental, propulsion-related, and vehicle-level tests.
• Lead failure investigations, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions through analysis, physical evidence, design changes, and validation testing.
• Make tradeoffs among mass, strength, stiffness, reliability, manufacturability, cost, schedule, and test risk.
• Establish technical standards and working methods that improve execution.
• Adapt as program priorities, designs, schedules, suppliers, and test plans change.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least five years of professional experience in rocketry, missiles, launch vehicles, propulsion, or a closely related aerospace field.
• Experience owning rocket or missile hardware from design through manufacturing, assembly, and test.
• Strong mechanical design capability, including 3D CAD, production drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis, material selection, fastening methods, and design for manufacturing and assembly.
• Understanding of structural mechanics, load paths, vibration, shock, thermal effects, and mechanical design calculations.
• Experience leading complex hardware development or serving as a technical lead.
• Experience working with machinists, technicians, fabrication suppliers, and test teams.
• Ability to investigate failures, make decisions with incomplete data, and rapidly improve hardware.
• Working knowledge of rocket or missile propulsion systems and their mechanical, thermal, and operational constraints.
• Ability to remain effective as priorities, requirements, and schedules change quickly.
• Willingness and ability to spend approximately 50% of the time at remote test sites under demanding field conditions.
• U.S. citizenship is required. The role may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Compensation:

The annual base salary range is $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 company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 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 – Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave in accordance with applicable law.
• Office Perks – Free snacks and drinks, plus regular team events.

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 ITAR, employees must meet applicable authorization requirements. GITAI USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.