Muon Space

Muon Space

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA or Remote · Staff+ · Full-time

No sponsorship$184k-$223kDetected 8 days ago
PythonC++Data AnalysisCybersecurityProject ManagementBudgetingSystems EngineeringLeadershipCollaborationRemote Sensing

About the role

  • In this role, you will be the definitive technical authority for a new optical subsystem, owning the performance metrics while defining and driving the hands-on assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) of critical optical and optomechanical subsystems.

Responsibilities

  • Own the delivery of optical subsystems to the instrument program as the primary technical lead.
  • Own and manage comprehensive optical error budgets and performance metrics, including image quality (MTF, WFE), stray light, and radiometric throughput (BOL/EOL transmission) from conceptual design through hardware build and test.
  • Collaborate with systems engineering to support cross-functional technical budgets, including thermal constraints and line-of-sight pointing/jitter, ensuring adequate margins throughout development.
  • Define and drive the strategy for optical instrument assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) planning and implementation, leading collaboration across cross-functional teams.
  • Support subsystem and instrument level functional, performance, and environmental testing (including vibration, thermal-vacuum/TVAC, and thermal stress).
  • 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 revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance.

Requirements

  • or M.S. and 8+ years industry experience
  • or B.S. and 10+ years industry experience.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with precision optical metrology, advanced AI&T execution, root cause analysis, and rigorous test data reporting.
  • Software proficiency in one or more languages (e.g., Python, C++) for data analysis and automation.
  • Experience working in cleanroom environments.
  • Experience supporting integrated spacecraft-level environmental testing and launch campaigns.
  • Previous experience driving end-to-end optical development, managing stringent performance budgets, and integrating complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced, small-team environment is required.
  • Ph.D. and 5+ years of experience developing imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments within a multi-disciplinary environment
  • Expertise in optical design and analysis (Zemax, Code V, FRED), including interpreting STOP analysis, allocating error budgets, and developing component specifications with vendors.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership and project management skills, with the ability to clearly communicate and collaborate across optomechanical, mechanical, and thermal teams.
  • Nice-to-have Skills
  • Exposure to systems engineering, specifically requirements development and V&V.
  • The salary range for this role is $184,000 - $223,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.
  • About Muon Space

Nice to have

  • Ability to obtain security clearance strongly preferred.

Compensation

  • The salary range for this role is $184,000 - $223,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.
  • At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package.
  • In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance.

Benefits

  • Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale.
  • We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.
  • We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity.

Equal opportunity

  • In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Ability to obtain security clearance strongly preferred
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This listing is sourced directly from Muon Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.