Instrument Development Engineer - Optomechanical

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 span the full lifecycle of instrument development–from design and analysis, to assembly, integration, and test. You will be responsible for interacting with cross functional team members, vendors, and partners to drive optomechanical subsystem development. Previous experience developing optical and infrared instruments and associated test infrastructure for space remote sensing in fast-paced and small-team environments is preferred. Responsibilities Own optomechanical design efforts including concept development, trade studies, and preliminary sizing of hardware at various levels of assembly (component to system). Own subsystem and system-level analyses including STOP analysis, tolerance stackups, and alignment planning. Support Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA) efforts to drive continuous improvement and volume production. Support optical instrument assembly, integration, and test (AIT) planning and implementation, including 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 improvement of best practices, processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in instrument development. Collaborate and communicate effectively with subsystem engineers and analysts, instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, AIT and production teams, program managers, external partner teams, and other stakeholders. Qualifications B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field, or equivalent experience. 5+ years of hands-on experience designing optomechanical hardware. Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for component and assembly design. Experience with STOP analysis tools (FEA, Sigfit, Zemax) and workflows. Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment, with exposure to spacecraft, infrared remote sensing instruments, and imaging systems. Experience working with precision optical and mechanical metrology equipment. Experience with system integration and delivery of complex hardware/software systems. Excellent communication, presentation, and organization skills. Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week. Nice-to-have Skills Experience driving right-sized trade studies and identifying system solutions. Experience with requirements development, error budgets/traceability/flowdown, and VV planning and implementation. Experience with root cause analysis efforts including data analysis and testing. 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 Ear ... (truncated, view full listing at source)