Early Career Systems Engineer

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 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.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering Support

• 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).

Integration, Test & Verification

• 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.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• 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).

What Success Looks Like

• Clear understanding of system architecture and interfaces.

• Well-maintained requirements and documentation.

• Smooth subsystem integration with minimal surprises.

• Growing technical ownership and confidence across multiple programs.

Qualifications

Required

• 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.

Preferred

• 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.

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.