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 Field-Deployed Software Engineering Intern, you will support the development, integration, and testing of GITAI’s robotic and space systems. A major part of this role happens on real hardware. You will regularly deploy to our outdoor test site to support data acquisition, system bring-up, troubleshooting, and test execution. You will also contribute to software development in at least one technical area such as robotics, computer vision, or guidance, navigation, and control (GNC). You should be comfortable moving between code, sensors, computers, networks, actuators, and test equipment to understand why a system is or is not working.

What You’ll Drive

Support weekly field testing, including system setup, bring-up, data acquisition, logging, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Develop and debug software for robotics, computer vision, GNC, or related systems.
Diagnose problems across software and hardware, including sensors, actuators, communications, timing, configuration, and computing systems.
Build scripts and lightweight tools for data collection, visualization, system health monitoring, and test automation.
Review test data and logs, reproduce failures, and work with engineers to identify root causes and fixes.
Support hardware/software integration and test preparation at our Torrance facility between field deployments.
Document test configurations, issues, findings, and software changes so the engineering team can act on them quickly.

What We’re Looking For

Start Date: Fall 2026 / Spring 2027. Earlier availability is preferred, and candidates who can start immediately are welcome.
Currently pursuing or recently completed a BS or MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 1 year of sustained, hands-on contribution to a robotics team, rocketry team, Formula SAE, research lab, or a similar environment where software was developed, integrated, and debugged on physical hardware.
Available to work at least three days per week.
Able to spend Wednesdays and Thursdays at GITAI’s outdoor test site in the desert region near Los Angeles on a regular basis.
Hands-on experience getting software to work with real hardware through internships, research, student teams, competitions, or personal projects.
Experience in at least one of the following areas: robotics, computer vision, controls, GNC, autonomy, or embedded systems.
Experience programming in Python or C++.
Comfortable working in Linux.
Strong debugging skills and the ability to work through problems that cross software and hardware boundaries.
Comfortable working outdoors around active engineering test operations.
U.S. citizenship required, as this role may support U.S. Government programs that require eligibility for a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Strong Plus:

Experience with ROS or ROS 2.
Experience integrating sensors, cameras, actuators, embedded computers, or robotic systems.
Experience with OpenCV, PyTorch, state estimation, motion planning, control systems, or related robotics software.
Experience with hardware communication interfaces such as CAN, Ethernet, serial, EtherCAT, or similar protocols.
Experience with data acquisition, telemetry, time synchronization, or analysis of experimental test data.

Location & Employment Details

Location: Torrance, CA (onsite). Frequent overnight travel to desert test sites, including Barstow, Mojave, and other locations throughout Southern California, is expected based on program needs.
Employment Type: Part-time, temporary, non-exempt
Compensation: $28 - $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.

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.

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.

About the company

GITAI provides robotic labor for space missions, including satellite maintenance, space station assembly, and lunar exploration. The company builds inchworm-style robotic arms and multi-purpose lunar rovers that use interchangeable tools to perform complex mechanical tasks autonomously or via remote control. Unlike many competitors, GITAI develops all hardware and software in-house and offers its technology through a Robotics-as-a-Service model to eliminate large upfront costs for clients. Its goal is to reduce the cost of space operations by 100 times while providing a safe alternative to human labor in extreme environments.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Series B

Total Funding

$83.1M

Headquarters

Torrance, California

Founded

2016

Get referred to GITAI

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

GITAI's June 2026 S3 flight model reached launch-ready status after in-house integration.
SHIELD and SBI put GITAI inside Pentagon budgets built for fast-procurement suppliers.
The December 2024 16U mission proved in-orbit operations, sensor validation, and data downlink.

What critics are saying

GITAI deferred S3 launch until after 2028, sacrificing civilian proof to chase SBI.
Defense concentration ties revenue to Space Force milestones; any slip crushes fundraising credibility.
A failed SBI transition leaves GITAI with expensive hardware, thin cash, and no moat.

What makes GITAI unique

GITAI builds robotic arms, satellites, and flight software in-house, compressing supplier dependence.
Space Force's May 4, 2026 SBI selection validates its dual-use, defense-grade space robotics platform.
JAXA's March 31, 2025 lunar rover arm study expands Japanese and Artemis credibility.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Sick Days
Relocation Assistance
Stock Options
Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-4%

1 year growth

-5%

2 year growth

PR Newswire

Jun 16th, 2026

GITAI completes S3 robotic satellite for on-orbit servicing, delays launch to prioritise US Space Force contract

GITAI USA has completed the flight model of its S3 robotic satellite, designed to demonstrate on-orbit servicing technologies and validate the company's modular spacecraft architecture for future defence-focused low Earth orbit constellation services. The S3 mission comprises a robotic servicing satellite with an advanced robotic arm and autonomous docking capabilities, alongside a target satellite. It will demonstrate autonomous rendezvous, docking with non-cooperative satellites, robotic servicing operations and controlled de-orbit capabilities. The spacecraft and robotic systems were developed entirely in-house. GITAI originally planned to launch the mission in October 2026 on SpaceX's Transporter-18, but has deferred the launch until after 2028 to prioritise its contract with the US Space Force's Space-Based Interceptor programme. The modular platform will support missile defence, communications and observation missions.

Morningstar

May 4th, 2026

GITAI selected by U.S. Space Force for Space-Based Interceptor program.

GITAI selected by U.S. Space Force for Space-Based Interceptor program. Provided by PR Newswire May 4, 2026, 5:52:00 AM GITAI selected by U.S. Space Force for Space-Based Interceptor program PR Newswire TORRANCE, Calif., May 4, 2026. GITAI in-house developed satellite platform with robotic arm for on-orbit operations TORRANCE, Calif., May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - GITAI USA Inc. ("GITAI"), a U.S.-headquartered space robotics and satellite platform company, is pleased to announce that it has been selected by U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command for the Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) program. The selection follows a competitive evaluation process and positions GITAI among a limited number of companies developing space-based interceptor systems and associated satellite platforms for national security applications. GITAI will execute the program leveraging its vertically integrated development model. The company develops and manufactures core spacecraft and interceptor components in-house, enabling accelerated development timelines, cost efficiency, and reduced reliance on traditional supply chains. The company has demonstrated these capabilities through multiple successful on-orbit missions, including technology demonstrations aboard the International Space Station and the successful deployment and operation of its in-house developed satellite platform in low Earth orbit. GITAI has already initiated program execution and is actively advancing development efforts toward upcoming technical milestones. For more details, please refer to the official announcement by the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command: https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article/4470337/space-forces-space-based-interceptor-program-to-counter-growing-speed-and-maneu < Press Kit > About GITAI GITAI is a U.S.-headquartered space robotics company developing vertically integrated satellite platforms and robotic systems. The company focuses on defense-focused low Earth orbit constellations and long-term lunar and planetary infrastructure. For more information, please visit: https://gitai.tech/ Media Contact Company: GITAI USA Inc. (Headquarters) / GITAI Defense and Space LLC (US Subsidiary) / GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan Subsidiary) CEO: Sho Nakanose URL: https://gitai.tech/ Contact Us: [email protected], (424) 587-1787 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gitai-selected-by-us-space-force-for-space-based-interceptor-program-302760991.html SOURCE GITAI USA Inc. The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar. Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees. Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent financial advice before making any decisions based on such content. The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.

Robotics & Automation News

May 22nd, 2025

Japanese space agency awards GITAI contract to develop unique robotic arm

Japanese space agency awards GITAI contract to develop unique robotic arm.

PR Newswire

Jan 27th, 2025

Gitai Successfully Completes Space Demonstration Of In-House Developed 16U Satellite

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GITAI USA Inc. (GITAI), the world's leading space robotics startup, is excited to announce the successful launch and full mission success of its in-house developed 16U-sized satellite. The satellite was launched into low Earth orbit aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 at 3:34 AM (PST) on December 21, 2024. The mission achieved "Full Success" by meeting all three predefined success criteria for the satellite's technical verification

WTWH Media LLC

Jan 6th, 2025

Eight Knot secures $3.8M in funding

In October 2024, robotics investments reached $7.4 billion across 77 funding rounds, led by Waymo's $5.6 billion raise, marking the largest single round of the year. The total investment from January to October 2024 exceeded $20 billion. Autonomous driving tech companies dominated, with significant investments in Waymo, WeRide ($320 million), and Didi Woya ($298 million). The U.S. and China led in investment rounds, with the U.S. securing $6.4 billion and China $873 million.

GITAI

Software Engineer Intern

About the job