Instrument Systems Engineer

Summary

Join Muon Space as an Instrument Systems Engineer in Mountain View, CA (or remotely) to contribute to the development of infrared remote sensing instruments. You will be a key member of the instrument engineering team, managing vendor relationships for optomechanical subsystems. Responsibilities include developing requirements, managing design and analysis, contributing to integration and test plans, and driving delivery. Success requires strong analytical and communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, small-team environment. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, vendors, and partners. Muon offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Hold a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field, or equivalent experience
• Have 5+ years of experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment, with exposure to spacecraft, remote sensing instruments, and imaging systems
• Possess experience driving right-sized trade studies and identifying systems solutions
• Demonstrate project management skills and the ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines, including optical, mechanical, and thermal teams
• Possess excellent communication, presentation, and organization skills
• Have experience with root cause analysis efforts including data analysis and testing
• Have software skills in one or more languages (e.g. Python, Julia, C++)
• Be excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for procurement and vendor technical management for instrument optical and optomechanical subsystems and components, including tracking and acceptance of contractual deliverables, e.g. end-item data packages
• Assess internal and external risks to the instrument, develop mitigation plans, and communicate them effectively
• Collaborate effectively with subsystem engineers and analysts, instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, program managers, and external partner teams
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in instrument development
• Contribute to the development of instrument system, subsystem, and component performance models and integrate with internal simulation tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Have experience with optomechanical subsystem concepts and trade studies, design and analysis, including STOP (FEA, Sigfit, Zemax) analysis, tolerance stackups, and alignment planning for infrared imaging systems
• Have experience working hands-on with precision electro-optical, optical, and mechanical metrology equipment
• Have experience supporting integrated spacecraft testing and launch campaigns

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• A 401k retirement plan
• Short & long term disability and life insurance
• Three weeks paid vacation for new employees
• 12 paid holidays
• Unlimited sick time
• Paid parental leave
• Equity compensation