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.

GITAI designs, builds, integrates, and tests hardware in-house across electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams. The company supports satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, Earth observation, proliferated LEO satellite constellations, and other next-generation space systems.

Your Mission:

Design, build, and test the mechanical hardware that turns an interceptor concept into a working vehicle. Own interceptor hardware from early mechanical layouts through detailed design, prototype manufacturing, assembly, field testing, failure investigation, and redesign. The scope includes vehicle structures, motor and propulsion interfaces, avionics packaging, internal mechanisms, test articles, fixtures, and ground-support equipment.

This is a practical mechanical engineering position focused on manufacturability, assembly, environmental performance, testing, and rapid design iteration. You will work closely with propulsion, avionics, electrical, manufacturing, test, and supply chain teams and spend significant time at remote test sites.

What You’ll Drive:

• Design and release mechanical hardware for interceptor vehicles, including primary and secondary structures, motor mounts and interfaces, avionics packaging, internal mechanisms, enclosures, test fixtures, and ground-support equipment.
• Translate system requirements, packaging constraints, expected loads, environmental conditions, and subsystem interfaces into manufacturable CAD models, drawings, bills of materials, and assembly definitions.
• Own prototype builds through fabrication, inspection, assembly, integration, fit checks, and rework.
• Prepare for and execute structural, environmental, propulsion-related, and vehicle-level tests, including test hardware, setup, field operations, teardown, inspection, and rapid repair.
• Investigate manufacturing, assembly, and test failures, identify likely root causes, and implement practical design changes.
• Make tradeoffs among mass, strength, stiffness, manufacturability, cost, schedule, testability, and reliability while maintaining configuration and design documentation.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least one year of professional experience at a rocketry, missile, launch-vehicle, propulsion, or closely related aerospace company.
• Direct experience designing mechanical hardware that was manufactured, assembled, and tested.
• Strong 3D CAD and mechanical drawing skills, including GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, material selection, fastening methods, and design for manufacturing and assembly.
• Practical understanding of structural mechanics, load paths, vibration, shock, and thermal effects.
• Experience working directly with machinists, technicians, suppliers, or fabrication teams.
• Basic understanding of rocket or missile propulsion systems and their mechanical constraints.
• Willingness and ability to spend approximately 50% of your 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.

Location & Position Type:

This is a full-time onsite role based at GITAI’s office in Torrance, CA, requiring onsite work five days per week. Approximately 50% of the role involves travel to or work 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 is $100,000 to $155,000. 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

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