Mechanical Engineer, Interceptor

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. A major focus is supporting U.S. national security missions through proliferated LEO satellite constellations and next-generation space systems. We design, build, integrate, and test much of our hardware in-house, with electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams working closely together to own complete systems.

About the role

Design, build, and test the mechanical hardware that turns an interceptor concept into a working vehicle. You will 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 role focused on manufacturable, assembleable hardware that survives its expected environment and is ready for testing. You will work closely with propulsion, avionics, electrical, manufacturing, test, and supply chain teams, and spend significant time at remote test sites.

Responsibilities

• 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 the prototype build cycle by working directly with machinists, technicians, suppliers, and other engineers 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 close the loop through practical design changes and the next hardware build.
• Make clear tradeoffs among mass, strength, stiffness, manufacturability, cost, schedule, testability, and reliability while maintaining appropriate configuration and design documentation.

Requirements

• 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, such as vehicle structures, avionics packaging, propulsion interfaces, mechanisms, or flight and test hardware.
• 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, with the ability to perform the calculations needed to support design decisions.
• Experience working directly with machinists, technicians, suppliers, or fabrication teams to resolve manufacturing, assembly, and hardware issues.
• Basic understanding of rocket or missile propulsion systems and the mechanical constraints they impose on the vehicle, along with the ability to learn unfamiliar technical areas quickly.
• Willingness and ability to spend approximately 50% of your time at remote test sites under demanding field conditions.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of GITAI’s work with U.S. government customers and programs. This role may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Location & Schedule

This is a full-time onsite role based at GITAI’s office in Torrance, CA, requiring five days per week onsite. Approximately 50% of time will be spent 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.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position 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.

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.