Electro Mechanical Technician
Matter Intelligence
Location
El Segundo
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Hardware Engineering
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.
We value craftsmanship, rigor, and pride in building hardware that performs exactly as intended.
About the Role
We are seeking an Electromechanical Technician to support the assembly, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of complex electro-mechanical and electro-optical systems. This role is hands-on and collaborative, working closely with engineers to build, test, and prepare flight and experimental hardware.
This position supports high-reliability R&D and flight hardware, not high-volume production. Attention to detail, documentation discipline, and comfort working with precision systems are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Assembly & Integration
Perform electro-mechanical assembly of subsystems and systems, including mounting PCB assemblies into chassis, mechanical structures, enclosures, and opto-mechanical hardware.
Assemble hardware by interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and written assembly procedures.
Route, secure, and dress wiring, harnesses, and connectors to aerospace workmanship standards.
Support precision optical and mechanical alignment activities under engineer guidance.
Use precision calibrated tools including torque wrenches, micrometers, calipers, microscopes, and soldering equipment.
Electronics & Workmanship
Perform soldering and rework of through-hole and surface-mount components.
Support epoxy application, thread-locking, masking, and conformal coating processes as required.
Apply ESD-safe handling practices and maintain cleanliness protocols appropriate for high-reliability hardware.
Inspect assemblies for quality and conformance to drawings, specifications, and procedures.
Test, Troubleshooting & Verification
Support functional testing, checkout, and diagnostics of integrated hardware.
Assist with environmental and performance testing (e.g., thermal, vibration, optical performance verification).
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and integration-level issues; clearly document findings and corrective actions.
Support loading, configuring, and verifying software/firmware on integrated hardware systems.
Documentation & Process
Follow and help improve assembly, integration, and test procedures.
Maintain detailed build records, test logs, non-conformance documentation, and rework/repair records.
Support configuration control, parts tracking, and inventory management.
Assist with packing, shipping, and preparation for field tests, airborne campaigns, or launch-site delivery.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Work closely with engineers, AI&T leads, and other technicians to resolve issues and improve designs.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to assembly quality, test efficiency, and lab workflow.
Contribute feedback to engineering teams to improve design-for-assembly and design-for-test.
What Success Looks Like
Hardware is assembled cleanly, correctly, and repeatably to specification.
Issues are identified early, documented clearly, and resolved efficiently.
Test setups are reliable, safe, and well-documented.
Engineers trust the quality and readiness of hardware delivered for test and flight.
Qualifications
Required
High school diploma, associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on experience.
3+ years of experience in electro-mechanical or electro-optical assembly for high-reliability hardware.
Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and assembly procedures.
Experience with precision tools, soldering, and mechanical assembly techniques.
Working knowledge of ESD practices and high-quality workmanship standards.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Preferred
Experience with aerospace, optical, or spaceflight hardware (e.g., avionics boxes, optical assemblies, mechanisms).
Experience with IPC J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610 workmanship standards (certification a plus).
Experience working in cleanroom or controlled lab environments.
Familiarity with environmental testing setups and ground support equipment.
Experience collaborating in R&D or rapid-development engineering environments.
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 detail-oriented, hands-on builder who takes pride in assembling, testing, and troubleshooting high-reliability hardware. You enjoy working with precision tools, following and improving procedures, and ensuring that every component is built correctly and performs as intended.
