Interceptor Mechanical Lead — Hardware Design, Testing

GITAI Inc.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance – Platinum medical, 0

401(k) Plan – Company match up to 3.5%

Equity – Stock option eligibility

Relocation Support – Available

Time Off – 12 holidays, 12 vacation, 7

Office Perks – Snacks and team events

Job summary

GITAI Inc. in Torrance, CA, is seeking a senior mechanical engineer to lead interceptor hardware development from architecture through prototype, testing, and redesign.

You will own complex systems across structures, interfaces, packaging, fixtures, and ground-support equipment, making critical design decisions and guiding hands-on execution. This is a senior individual-contributor role with no people management required.

Qualifications

• Five years of professional experience in rocketry, missiles, launch vehicles, propulsion, or related aerospace field.
• Ownership of rocket or missile hardware from design through manufacturing, assembly, and test.
• Strong practical understanding of structural mechanics, load paths, vibration, shock, and thermal effects.
• Experience leading hardware development or serving as a technical lead.
• Ability to investigate failures and turn findings into hardware improvements.
• Working knowledge of rocket propulsion systems and vehicle constraints.
• Willingness to spend ~50% of time at remote test sites.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to government work and security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical architecture and detailed design of interceptor hardware.
• Translate system requirements into practical mechanical designs and decisions.
• Lead hardware through full development cycle: CAD, drawings, design reviews, fabrication, testing, and redesign.
• Provide technical direction and review to junior and mid‑level engineers.
• Collaborate with machinists, technicians, suppliers, and engineers to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Plan and execute structural, environmental, propulsion‑related, and vehicle‑level tests.
• Lead failure investigations and drive corrective actions.
• Make clear tradeoffs among mass, strength, manufacturability, cost, and schedule.

Skills

3D CAD

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Mechanical design

Production drawings

Materials selection

Fastening methods

Design for manufact. & assembly

Structural mechanics

Load paths

Vibration & shock

Thermal effects

Failure investigation

Technical leadership

Vendor coordination

Machining collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / related field

Job description

GITAI Inc. in Torrance, CA, is seeking a senior mechanical engineer to lead interceptor hardware development from architecture through prototype, testing, and redesign.

You will own complex systems across structures, interfaces, packaging, fixtures, and ground-support equipment, making critical design decisions and guiding hands-on execution. This is a senior individual-contributor role with no people management required.