Mechanical Engineer, Space Robotics

Job description

**Who We Are** GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation of hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions. At our core is the space robotics technology that has defined GITAI from the beginning. A small, highly capable engineering team applies that foundation across satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware for applications such as Earth observation. Today, a major focus of our work is supporting U.S. national security missions, particularly through proliferated LEO satellite constellations and other next-generation space systems. We design, build, integrate, and test much of our hardware in-house. Electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams work closely together, allowing a small team to own complete systems rather than isolated components. This vertical integration helps us move quickly, learn directly from hardware, and shorten the path from architecture to a working system. We are still early. The systems, the company, and the market are all being built at the same time. Requirements change, technical problems are often ambiguous, and many answers do not yet exist. We are looking for exceptional engineers and operators who want broad ownership, can work across disciplines, and are willing to stay close to the hardware until the mission succeeds. **Your Mission** The Mechanical Engineer, Space Robotics owns the end-to-end development of assigned mechanical hardware for robotic spacecraft systems, including robotic arms mounted to satellite buses, satellite bus structures, solar array mechanisms, battery system enclosures, avionics packaging, mounting structures, fixtures, and ground support equipment. This role is not limited to desk-based design. It spans concept design, CAD, drawings, prototyping, fabrication support, hands-on assembly, integration, verification testing, failure investigation, and early-stage manufacturing support. The engineer applies established design guidelines and best practices, then feeds lessons from real builds and tests back into GITAI’s mechanical design standards to accelerate development cycles. **What You’ll Drive** - Design and iterate mechanical hardware across robotic, spacecraft, satellite, and propulsion systems, optimizing for performance, reliability, and testability. - Work closely with electrical and software engineers to define requirements, interfaces, and assembly configurations that are practical to build and integrate. - Assemble, integrate, and maintain prototypes and early builds, and feed insights back into the design to improve buildability and serviceability. - Plan and execute testing, including operational verification as well as reliability and quality testing, and use results to drive design improvements. **What We’re Looking For** - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline. - 1+ years of relevant experience designing, analyzing, and supporting the manufacturing of electro-mechanical systems or mechanisms. Internship, research, and extracurricular project experience counts. - Proficiency with mechanical CAD. - Experience creating mechanical drawings and maintaining drawing packages. - Hands-on ability with mechanical assembly, integration, and testing. - Must be able to safely lift and move items up to 40 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation), including during assembly and test activities. - Flexibility to work weekends as needed based on build and test schedules. - Willingness to spend up to 50% of work time outside of Torrance at test sites (including Mojave and the greater Los Angeles area). Travel may increase for short periods during critical integration and test campaigns. - Must be a U.S. citizen, as this role may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance in the future. **Location & Employment Details** - Location: Torrance, CA (onsite). Travel to test sites (including Mojave and the greater Los Angeles area) is expected based on program needs. - Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt - Salary Range: $100,000 – $125,000 per year + equity (commensurate with experience) - Typical Work Hours: Monday to Friday, approximately 9:00am – 6:00pm (onsite). Flexibility is expected based on mission schedules and program needs. **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 – 11 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 - Mission-Driven Culture – Work alongside passionate teammates on real space hardware - Cutting-Edge Work **–** Direct access to next-gen space robotics and flight hardware *GITAI does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing or recruiting agencies. We work only with recruiting partners that have been specifically engaged by GITAI. No fees will be paid for resumes submitted without a prior agreement.* Compensation may include base salary or hourly pay and, depending on the position, equity. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other job-related factors. LA salary range $100,000—$125,000 USD **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 the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), GITAI Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. - GITAI USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with GITAI USA is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.