Early Career Systems Engineer

Matter Intelligence • El Segundo, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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 Systems Engineer to support the architecture, integration, analysis, and verification of airborne and spaceborne remote-sensing systems. This role is ideal for an engineer early in their career who wants broad exposure to real hardware that flies, while developing strong systems engineering fundamentals . You will work closely with senior systems engineers and subsystem leads (optics, electronics, avionics, mechanical, software, AI&T) to help define requirements, manage interfaces, support integration and test, and ensure system-level performance is achieved. This role emphasizes learning by doing , with increasing ownership over time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 0–3 years of experience (internships, research, or early professional experience).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
• Willingness to work hands-on with hardware and testing.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to systems engineering concepts (requirements, interfaces, verification).
• Experience with laboratory testing, prototyping, or integration.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools.
• Interest in remote sensing, aerospace systems, or experimental hardware.
• Experience in a fast-paced or startup-like environment.

Responsibilities

• Support system architecture development for airborne and spaceborne sensing systems.
• Assist with requirements definition, allocation, and traceability across subsystems.
• Help develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Support system-level trade studies and performance analyses (power, mass, data, timing, pointing).
• Support system integration planning and execution.
• Assist in developing test plans, procedures, and verification matrices.
• Participate in laboratory integration, functional testing, and field demonstrations.
• Support test data review, anomaly tracking, and documentation.
• Work with optics, mechanical, electronics, avionics, and software teams to resolve interface issues.
• Support configuration management, documentation, and design reviews.
• Contribute to internal technical reports and proposal content (NASA, DoD, SBIR).

Benefits

• Competitive total package based on experience.
• Early-stage equity package so you share directly in Matter’s growth and success.
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunities to expand into leadership, strategic accounts, or cross-functional roles as we scale.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level