Structural Analyst

ABOUT MATTER INTELLIGENCE

Welcome to Matter, where we are building the future of vision AI: pairing a world-first sensor that sees molecular chemistry, temperature, and 3D shape with a Large World Model that will be the most powerful intelligence engine for the physical world. This system doesn't just see what something looks like; it understands everything from a single pixel. We call this Superintelligent Vision.

Our team has delivered technologies to Mars for NASA/JPL, designed advanced sensors for U.S. Defense, and frontier artificial intelligence systems. We are now building the next generation of space- and airborne-based sensing systems.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Matter is hiring a Structural Analyst to evaluate and improve the structural performance of sensing payloads and supporting hardware for airborne and space environments. The role will work closely with mechanical, optomechanical, systems, and test engineers from early design through qualification.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Analyze and size structural hardware for advanced electro-optic and infrared sensors across space, air, and ground platforms, accounting for loading, material selection, strength and stability margins, and practical configuration and load-path recommendations.

- Perform strength, fatigue, fracture, classic hand-calculation, and finite-element analyses; develop finite-element models with appropriate requirements, processes, checks, and reports, from coarse system-level loads analyses through detailed stress analyses.

- Partner with designers and engineers to identify structural risks and recommend practical design changes, including materials, adhesives, and mounting approaches that support optical performance.

- Develop test and instrumentation plans—including strain-gauge approaches—support data review, and correlate analysis with observed performance.

- Document analysis assumptions, methods, finite-element model requirements, results, failure mechanisms, and design margins for technical reviews and program decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, civil, or a related engineering discipline, with a strong foundation in structural mechanics and engineering analysis.

- Experience applying classic and finite-element analysis methods to real hardware, using FEA codes and associated pre- and post-processors, and interpreting results for design teams.

- Ability to communicate assumptions, uncertainty, technical results, and design implications clearly.

- Collaborative, multitasking approach to working across mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and test functions.

PREFERRED

- Experience with aerospace materials and manufacturing, precision instrumentation, optical payloads, or other high-performance hardware.

- Experience correlating analytical models with environmental or qualification test data, including structures with metal and composite elements and bonded or bolted joints.

- Familiarity with lightweight structures, dynamic environments, tight alignment requirements, GD&T, and failure mechanisms in metals and composites including instability and fatigue.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

- Structural risks and margins are understood early enough to guide design decisions.

- Analyses are traceable, reviewable, and aligned with test and qualification plans.

- The team enters integration and test with confidence in the structural design and its operating limits.

LOCATION

This role is based in El Segundo, CA, and requires onsite work.

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 AND BENEFITS

At Matter, we believe in rewarding high performance and providing the support you need to thrive. Our compensation and benefits package includes:

- Competitive compensation based on experience

- Early-stage equity package

- 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage

- Opportunity to work on novel sensing, data, and AI systems with real-world deployment paths to the largest industries in the world

Matter Intelligence is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who can raise the ambition and performance of the team.