Early Career Test Engineer - Sensors
Role summary
Matter Intelligence is seeking an Early Career Test Engineer to support the testing of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors for aerospace applications. This role involves hands-on work with real hardware, assisting in test setup, execution, and documentation, and collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have 0-3 years of relevant experience, a degree in a related engineering or physics field, and a strong desire to learn and grow in test engineering fundamentals within a mission-driven environment. This is an onsite, full-time position in El Segundo, CA.
About Matter Intelligence
Matter Intelligence builds advanced Earth-observation systems that combine novel sensing technology, spacecraft and airborne platforms, and AI-driven data exploitation. Our systems deliver fundamentally new ways of understanding the physical world — from molecular chemistry to 3D structure — across spaceborne and airborne missions.
Our team has delivered technologies to Mars for NASA/JPL, designed advanced sensors for U.S. defense, and built core infrastructure at OpenAI. We are now building the next generation of space-based and airborne sensing systems.
About The Role
We are seeking an
Early Career Test Engineer
to support the test setup and execution of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors and spectrometers intended for ground, airborne or space use. This role is ideal for an engineer early in their career who wants broad exposure to
real hardware
, while developing strong
test engineering fundamentals
.
You will work closely with senior systems engineers and subsystem leads (optics, electronics, avionics, mechanical, software, AI&T) to help define test needs and setup, manage ground support equipment, perform integration and test, document test approach and results, and ensure required sensor performance is achieved.
This role emphasizes
learning by doing
, with increasing ownership over time.
Key Responsibilities
Test Engineering Support
- Support test architecture development for airborne and spaceborne sensors.
- Assist in developing test plans, procedures, and verification matrices.
- Help develop and maintain test configuration documents.
- Perform test setup, execution and documentation.
- Support test data review, anomaly tracking, and documentation.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
- Work with optics, mechanical, electronics, avionics, and software teams to resolve issues.
- Support configuration management, documentation, and design reviews.
- Contribute to internal technical reports and proposal content (NASA, DoD, SBIR).
What Success Looks Like
- Clear understanding of test architecture and execution.
- Well-maintained documentation.
- Growing technical ownership and confidence across multiple programs.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
- 0–3 years of relevant EO/IR experience (internships, research, or early professional experience).
- Experience operating and testing cryogenically cooled infrared focal plane arrays.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
- Willingness to work hands-on with hardware and testing.
Preferred
- Experience with laboratory testing, prototyping, or integration.
- Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools.
- Exposure to test engineering concepts (plans, procedures, verification).
- Interest in remote sensing, aerospace systems, or experimental hardware.
- Experience in a fast-paced or startup-like environment.
Location
This full-time role is based in El Segundo, CA, with onsite presence required (temporary remote flexibility may be considered). Some travel may be required.
ITAR Requirements
To comply with U.S. export regulations, applicants must be one of the following:
- A U.S. citizen or national
- A lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
- Eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Employee Offerings & Benefits
At Matter, we believe in rewarding high performance and providing the support you need to thrive. Our compensation and benefits package includes:
- Compensation: Competitive total package based on experience.
- Equity: Early-stage equity package so you share directly in Matter’s growth and success.
- Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Growth: Opportunities to expand into leadership, strategic accounts, or cross-functional roles as we scale.
Who You Are
You are a curious,
mission-driven
engineer excited to learn how complex aerospace systems come together and perform in the real world. You enjoy working across disciplines, asking thoughtful questions, and turning ambiguous problems into clear technical understanding.