Senior Instrument Scientist - Calibration
Muon Space is seeking a Senior Instrument Scientist to join our team in Mountain View, CA, focusing on the calibration of infrared remote sensing instruments. This role is integral to our instrument team, responsible for establishing scalable calibration hardware infrastructure and processes to deliver science-grade radiometric and geometric calibration artifacts to the data team. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated engineer or scientist with a versatile skill set, comfortable working across various technical depths.
Key responsibilities include owning radiometric and geometric calibration standards across multiple instrument programs, developing best practices, and ensuring adherence to defined processes. The role involves leading the design and development of scalable calibration test hardware infrastructure, planning and executing pre-launch calibration campaigns to establish baseline sensor performance models, and supporting the definition and tracking of metrics to monitor instrument performance from ground to orbit. Effective collaboration with instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, data scientists, mission operations engineers, and program managers is essential. Additionally, this position participates in a 24/7 on-call rotation to support on-orbit anomaly resolution, approximately one week per month.
The position requires a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field or equivalent experience, with over 5 years of experience in a multi-disciplinary environment, demonstrating expertise with imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments. Proficiency in software languages such as Python, Julia, or C++ is necessary. Hands-on experience with precision optical equipment for instrument characterization and calibration, as well as experience in root cause analysis, data analysis, post-processing, and test report generation, are essential. Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills are also required.
The salary range for this role is $184,000 to $223,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability and life insurance, three weeks of paid vacation for new employees, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, and paid parental leave.
Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.