Instrument Development Engineer - Mechanisms

About the role Muon Space seeks an Instrument Development Engineer to join our team in Mountain View, CA, supporting the production of infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated engineer with a versatile skill set who is comfortable working across many layers of technical depth from individual components through system level. In this role, you will own all mechanism subsystems within the infrared instruments, including scanners and cryocoolers, across multiple programs. Previous experience with thermal vacuum and vibration testing and collaborating with engineering teams to refine designs for manufacturing and assembly processes is preferred. This position has significant lab and hands-on work and will be located at our office in Mountain View, CA. Responsibilities Own moving mechanism assemblies, including design and analysis, component sizing, subsystem assembly, performance characterization, and lifetime testing. Own Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA) efforts to support continuous improvement and volume production. Support control algorithm development and tuning, in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Support subsystem and instrument-level testing, including environmental (vibration, thermal-vacuum (TVAC) testing) and system characterization/VV. Contribute to the continuous development of best practices, processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in mechanisms development. Collaborate and communicate effectively with subsystem engineers and analysts, instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, AIT and production teams, and program managers. Qualifications B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience. 5+ years of hands-on experience in a multi-disciplinary aerospace hardware environment. Experience with system integration and delivery of complex hardware/software systems. Experience driving right-sized trade studies and identifying system solutions. Experience working with precision optical and mechanical metrology equipment, including autocollimators and dynamometers. Experience with root cause analysis efforts including data analysis and testing. Excellent communication, presentation, and organization skills. Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week. Nice-to-have Skills 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. Basic software/scripting skills for data analysis or equipment automation (e.g., Python, C/C++). Experience working in cleanroom environments. Salary The salary range for this role is $159,000 - $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 About Muon Space 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. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of 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. Taking Care of Our Team 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. We also offer three weeks pai ... (truncated, view full listing at source)