Senior Propulsion Engineer

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** GITAI is building solid rocket motors in-house through vertical integration to support demanding space and national security missions. We believe the fastest way to build better propulsion systems is to own the critical parts of the development loop ourselves. That means working directly across propellant formulation, motor design, manufacturing, and hot-fire testing, learning quickly from every test, and turning those lessons into the next piece of hardware. Your mission is to lead that cycle. You will make technical decisions, run experiments, build and test hardware, and push the motor forward through rapid iteration until it is ready for the mission. **What You’ll Drive** - Own end-to-end solid rocket motor development from formulation and motor build through hot-fire testing and design iteration - Develop and refine propellant formulations, processing methods, grain configurations, and motor designs - Plan and execute hot-fire tests, analyze performance and failure data, and turn results into the next hardware iteration - Identify and resolve technical risks across combustion, materials, manufacturing, and motor performance - Make independent engineering decisions and drive rapid build-test-learn cycles with mechanical, manufacturing, avionics, and test teams **What We’re Looking For** - Bachelor's degree or higher in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related technical field - 5+ years of relevant experience in solid rocket propulsion, energetic materials, combustion, or closely related hardware development - Demonstrated experience owning end-to-end solid rocket motor development across propellant formulation, motor build, hot-fire testing, data analysis, and design iteration - Strong understanding of solid propellant combustion, internal ballistics, and motor performance - Demonstrated ability to make independent engineering decisions and drive rapid build-test-learn cycles - U.S. citizenship required due to the nature of the national security programs this role may support and the potential need to access classified information **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: $150,000 – $200,000 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 $150,000—$200,000 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.