Startup Operator Apprentice, Fall 2026 Intern / Co-op
About the Role
Learn how a real startup works by helping run one. GITAI is a small, fast-moving hardware startup where resources are limited, priorities change quickly, and everyone is expected to help wherever the company needs it most. This role is designed for someone who wants to gain hands-on experience in a startup environment by taking ownership of tasks, proving their capabilities, and earning greater responsibility.
You will start with broad responsibilities across office management, accounting, purchasing, and people operations. As you demonstrate your strengths, you will take deeper ownership in the areas where you perform best. There are no intern-only projects or shadowing assignments—you will work on real tasks the company needs completed.
Responsibilities
- Support daily office operations, supplies, vendors, shipments, and workplace logistics
- Help process invoices, expenses, receipts, and other accounting records
- Support purchasing, including quote collection, order placement, delivery tracking, and receiving
- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, employee records, and other people operations
- Build and maintain simple trackers, checklists, and internal processes
- Take ownership of operational problems and follow them through completion
- Step into other work as company priorities change
Requirements
- A strong desire to learn, grow, and experience how a startup actually works
- An open, humble, and coachable mindset
- Willingness to receive direct feedback and act on it
- Reliability and attention to detail
- Current enrollment in a college or university
- Availability to work onsite in Torrance during Fall 2026
- U.S. citizenship is required (this role may support U.S. government programs and involve access to restricted facilities, systems, or information)
Previous experience is not the main requirement. We care more about how quickly you learn, how you respond to feedback, and whether the team can rely on you.
Location & Schedule
Location: Torrance, CA (onsite). Travel to test sites, including Mojave and locations throughout the greater Los Angeles area, is expected based on program needs.
Employment Type: Part-time, temporary, non-exempt
Typical Work Hours: Monday to Friday, approximately 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (onsite). Flexibility is expected based on mission schedules and program needs.
Pay
$22 - $25 per hour. Final compensation will be determined based on academic level, relevant technical experience, and demonstrated hands-on capability.