Electromechanical Technician

GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation of hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions. At our core is space robotics technology, applied across satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware for applications such as Earth observation. We design, build, integrate, and test much of our hardware in-house, with electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams working closely together. This vertical integration allows a small team to own complete systems and move quickly from architecture to working hardware.

About the role

As an Electromechanical Technician at GITAI, you will build and integrate the electrical and mechanical hardware behind our space robotics, spacecraft, and defense systems. You will work directly with engineers to assemble early prototypes, identify practical problems in the design and build process, and turn one-off builds into clear and repeatable manufacturing processes. This role spans soldering, cable and wire harness fabrication, connector termination, electrical integration, precision mechanical assembly, rework, inspection, troubleshooting, and test support.

This is not a conventional production-line role. Many systems you work on are being built for the first time, with evolving drawings, undefined assembly procedures, and tooling still under development. You will collaborate with the engineering team to resolve these gaps, build hardware, identify issues, and establish repeatable processes. The work may also require travel to remote test locations, including desert environments, to support hardware installation, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and recovery.

Responsibilities

• Build and integrate electrical and mechanical hardware, including cable harnesses, connectors, sensors, motors, actuators, and mechanical assemblies.
• Perform soldering, crimping, wiring, mechanical assembly, rework, inspection, and basic troubleshooting.
• Work directly with engineers to identify design and assembly issues during prototype builds.
• Turn early, one-off builds into clear and repeatable assembly processes.
• Create and improve work instructions, assembly records, inspection steps, fixtures, and tooling.
• Support hardware testing, failure investigation, repair, and modification.
• Travel to field and test sites, including desert locations, to support hardware setup, operation, troubleshooting, repair, and teardown.
• Maintain high standards for workmanship, safety, ESD, FOD, and configuration control.

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in electromechanical assembly, prototype fabrication, hardware integration, or manufacturing.
• Strong skills in soldering, crimping, cable and wire harness fabrication, and connector termination.
• Experience assembling mechanical components, motors, actuators, sensors, mechanisms, and enclosures.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, pinout tables, and bills of materials.
• Experience using electrical test equipment, hand tools, torque tools, and precision measurement tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware issues and provide practical feedback to engineers.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving environment where designs and processes are still being developed.
• Willing and able to travel to remote test locations and work outdoors in heat, dust, wind, and other demanding conditions when required.
• High school diploma or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• U.S. citizenship is required for clearance eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other high-reliability hardware.
• IPC J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, NASA workmanship, or similar certification.
• Experience developing assembly processes, work instructions, fixtures, tooling, or inspection criteria.
• Experience working under AS9100, ISO 9001, or a similar quality-management system.
• Experience supporting environmental, vibration, thermal, vacuum, propulsion, or field testing.
• Technical school, trade school, associate degree, military technical training, or apprenticeship experience in electronics, avionics, mechanical systems, or manufacturing.

Hiring Process

The hiring process evaluates real working fit before making a full-time offer and generally includes:

• Remote interview with the Head of HR.
• Onsite interviews and skill exercises at GITAI’s office in Torrance, CA.
• Paid onsite temporary employment or contract engagement period, ranging from two to four weeks.
• Full-time hiring decision after the temporary employment period.

The practical assessment may include soldering, harness fabrication, drawing interpretation, mechanical assembly, inspection, troubleshooting, or other hands-on work. The onsite temporary employment period is required and allows both sides to evaluate workmanship, execution speed, communication, judgment, and fit in a real hardware-development environment.

Schedule

• Full-time, non-exempt hourly position in Torrance, California.
• Onsite five days per week; remote or hybrid work is not expected.
• Overtime and occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on hardware build and test schedules.
• Occasional travel to remote test locations, including outdoor work in desert or other demanding field conditions.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $25.00 to $50.00 per hour. Final title and compensation will depend on experience, demonstrated workmanship, technical certifications, breadth across electrical and mechanical assembly, and ability to help move hardware from prototype builds into repeatable manufacturing processes. This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable law.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare: 100% paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, with 90% coverage for dependents, plus life insurance.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match.
• Paid Time Off: 12 days of paid time off (PTO) and 12 company holidays annually.
• Office Perks: Free snacks and drinks, plus regular social events to foster team spirit.

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 be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.