Mission Manager

Who We Are

GITAI is a vertically integrated U.S. defense space company delivering scalable LEO satellite constellation platforms for missile defense, maneuverable space combat power, and observation missions. Selected as a Prime Contractor for the U.S. Space Force'smissle defense program, GITAI develops all critical technologies in-house, including solid rocket motors (SRMs), thrust divert and attitude control systems (TDACS), discrimination algorithms, onboard computers, and infrared seekers. We're bringing the speed, agility, and vertically integrated engineering approach of other industries into defense space to disrupt traditional defense primes.

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, identify risks, resolve cross-functional issues, and drive mission-level decisions.

• Lead spacecraft and payload integration activities with internal engineering teams, launch service providers, and mission partners, ensuring technical interfaces, requirements, and schedules remain aligned.

• Evaluate launch opportunities and mission architectures based on spacecraft capabilities, payload constraints, orbital requirements, integration complexity, schedule, cost, and mission risk.

• Coordinate mission readiness reviews, launch campaigns, and operational preparations, working with engineering teams and external partners to ensure hardware and mission systems are ready for flight.

• Support on-orbit mission operations, including operational planning, coordination between engineering and flight teams, anomaly resolution, and post-mission analysis.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for U.S. government customers, launch service providers, subcontractors, and other mission stakeholders, driving technical coordination and resolving external dependencies.

• Work with Engineering, Legal, Finance, Supply Chain, and Security to manage contractual commitments, regulatory requirements, government approvals, and other program dependencies.

• Identify and escalate mission-critical risks, challenge unrealistic requirements or commitments, and provide clear recommendations and status updates to program leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

• 5+ years of professional experience in the space industry, directly involved in the development, integration, testing, launch, or operation of spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, or spaceflight payloads.

• Hands-on engineering experience in the design, development, integration, or testing of mechanical, electromechanical, or aerospace hardware systems.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional engineering projects, coordinating technical teams, managing schedules and dependencies, and driving projects to completion.

• Strong technical understanding of complex hardware systems, with the ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, interface requirements, and test documentation.

• Ability to identify technical risks, challenge engineering assumptions, and work with engineers to resolve issues without being the primary design authority.

• Experience coordinating with external technical partners, customers, suppliers, or other stakeholders to resolve requirements, interfaces, and project dependencies.

• At least one year of full-time experience at a fast-moving startup or small technology company.

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, iterative hardware development environment, making practical decisions with limited resources and incomplete information.

• U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience executing launch campaigns at a launch service provider, rideshare aggregator, or payload integration company.

• Experience working with U.S. government customers, particularly the Department of Defense (DoD) or national security space programs.

• Familiarity with government contracts, regulatory requirements, export controls (ITAR/EAR), or classified programs.

Location and Position Type

• Torrance, CA / Full-time, Exempt

• This is a full-time onsite role based at GITAI’s office in Torrance, CA. This position requires working onsite five days per week. Remote or hybrid work is not expected for this role.

• Regular travel may be required based on program needs, including customer meetings, partner coordination, testing, integration, and launch activities.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $140,000 to $185,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, demonstrated program-management capability, government and regulatory experience, and other job-related factors. This position is also eligible for stock options and company benefits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare: 100% paid medical, dental, 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.