Mission Manager

The posting, as GITAI wrote it

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

As a Mission Manager, you will bring a strong mechanical or aerospace engineering background to a role that connects engineering, mission planning, and execution. Reporting to the VP of Program Management, you will work closely with GITAI's engineering teams, launch service providers, U.S. government customers, and mission partners to turn complex technical requirements into successful missions. You will use your engineering experience to understand spacecraft and payload constraints, identify risks early, challenge unrealistic assumptions, and drive decisions across teams. While Engineering Leads own the detailed design and technical execution, you will own the mission-level coordination, external interfaces, schedules, and readiness required to bring the hardware from development to flight. This is a hands-on individual contributor role with no direct reports. You will stay close to the hardware, work directly with engineers and external stakeholders, and take ownership of solving the problems that stand between a working system and a successful mission.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end mission execution, from mission planning and spacecraft integration through testing, launch, and on-orbit operations, ensuring technical, schedule, and external requirements are met.
• Develop and maintain integrated mission plans, including engineering milestones, system integration, verification and validation, launch readiness, external deliverables, and critical dependencies.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering teams to understand technical challenges,

[…]
and vision insurance for employees, with 90% coverage for dependents, plus life insurance

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match
• Equity Opportunities: Stock options in a rapidly growing startup, giving you a stake in our success
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance for relocation is available for candidates residing outside the Los Angeles area
• Paid Time Off: 12 days of paid time off (PTO) and 12 company holidays annually
• Office Perks: Enjoy free snacks and drinks, plus regular social events to foster team spirit

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
$140,000 — $185,000 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.