Mechanical Engineering Intern / Co-op, Rocket Motors

GITAI · Internship

Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
Posted: Aug 6

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.

What you'd do

Own clearly scoped mechanical hardware through design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and iteration.
Design and update mechanical components, assemblies, interfaces, prototypes, ground support equipment, and test fixtures using 3D CAD and engineering drawings.
Work directly with engineers, technicians, machinists, suppliers, and test personnel to turn incomplete requirements and early concepts into hardware that can be built and tested.
Support hands-on fabrication, assembly, inspection, integration, and test activities, including hardware setup, instrumentation, data collection, teardown, and post-test inspection.
Investigate manufacturing problems, integration issues, and test failures, then quickly apply what you learn to the next hardware iteration.
Document hardware configurations, design decisions, build issues, test results, and lessons learned, and support field tests outside the Torrance office when required.
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
Compensation: $25 - $40 per hour. Final compensation will be determined based on academic level, relevant technical experience, and demonstrated hands-on engineering capability.
Typical Work Hours: Monday to Friday, approximately 9:00am – 6:00pm (onsite). Flexibility is expected based on mission schedules and program needs.

What they want

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field, either already completed or expected to be completed during 2027.
At least one year of sustained participation in a technically rigorous student engineering project, such as Formula SAE, rocketry, CubeSat, robotics, Baja SAE, or Design-Build-Fly, with meaningful hands-on involvement.
Experience taking hardware through several stages of development, such as design, fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and redesign.
Experience using a professional 3D CAD system and reading mechanical drawings. SolidWorks experience is preferred but not required.
A willingness to work hard, learn quickly, take direct feedback, move across functional boundaries, and do the hands-on work required to move hardware forward.
The judgment to raise problems early, ask clear questions, and keep working through ambiguity, setbacks, and changing priorities.
Ability to work fully onsite at GITAI’s office in Torrance, California.
U.S. citizenship due to potential access to export-controlled and government-controlled information.
Experience with satellite hardware, rocket propulsion, solid rocket motors, robotics, mechanisms, pressure systems, or aerospace test equipment.
Experience owning a component or subsystem through multiple design, build, test, and redesign cycles.