Early Career Test Engineer - Sensors

Matter Intelligence • El Segundo, CA

2d • 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.
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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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).

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