Testbed Engineer

About the role

Matter Intelligence is developing advanced vision AI by combining unique molecular and 3D sensors with high-performance world models. We are looking for a hands-on engineer to manage our testbed infrastructure, ensuring our hardware and software systems are ready for lab, field, and flight environments. You will bridge the gap between design and deployment, maintaining the rigor required for complex aerospace and imaging missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Build and maintain engineering testbeds for sensor payloads, avionics, and embedded systems.
• Manage lab configurations including optical benches, sensor fixtures, power systems, and data acquisition hardware.
• Execute integration and functional testing for imaging payloads across lab, airborne, and ground platforms.
• Perform electrical troubleshooting, including harness verification, signal validation, and power distribution checkout.
• Conduct calibration and characterization of spectral, radiometric, and 3D sensing performance.
• Support software verification and validation by executing test scripts and tracking system anomalies.
• Prepare and execute field campaigns, including pre-flight checks, data collection, and mission reporting.
• Maintain documentation for test procedures, configuration control, and readiness reviews.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Systems, or Computer Engineering, or Physics.
• 3+ years of experience with engineering testbeds, flight-like hardware, or complex electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency in reading schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface control documents.
• Experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and logic analyzers.
• Familiarity with software V&V processes, including test planning and defect tracking.
• Ability to work across hardware, software, firmware, and optical interfaces.
• Strong technical documentation skills for audit-ready test records.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual to meet ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Ability to work onsite in El Segundo and support field deployments.

Nice to have

• Experience at NASA/JPL, DoD primes, or national labs.
• Background in optical payload integration, detector characterization, or precision metrology.
• Familiarity with NASA 7120 or 8739 standards, ESD control, and contamination protocols.
• Experience with environmental testing like TVAC, vibration, or EMI/EMC.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, Linux, or RTOS environments.
• Knowledge of serial interfaces, Ethernet, CAN, SPI, or I2C.
• Hands-on skills in soldering, crimping, and harness fabrication.
• Active or obtainable U.S. security clearance.

Skills & tools

• Hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing
• Imaging and EO sensor characterization
• Schematic and wiring diagram interpretation
• Lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers)
• Test procedure development and anomaly tracking
• Configuration management and technical documentation

Practical notes

This position is based in El Segundo and requires consistent onsite presence. You will be expected to support field deployments and test campaigns as part of the mission lifecycle. Candidates must satisfy U.S. export control requirements.