Instrument Systems Engineer

About the role Muon seeks an Instrument Systems Engineer to join our team in San Jose, CA with a focus on 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. This role will be a key member of the instrument engineering team, working across multiple interfaces to drive instrument operation from ground to orbit. Previous experience developing and operating infrared electro-optical systems, remote sensing instruments, and test infrastructure in fast-paced and small-team environments is preferred. Responsibilities Define instrument concept of operations and the planning and transition into on-orbit commissioning, calibration/validation, and sustaining operations for new instruments and constellations. Define and track health metrics and system safety alerts to monitor the performance of on-orbit instruments. Support anomaly detection, root cause analysis, and mission anomaly reviews. Support the development and operation of ground support equipment and testbeds for instrument functional testing, calibration, and characterization. Contribute to the continuous improvement of best practices, processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency of instrument operations. Collaborate and communicate effectively with instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, mission operations engineers, program managers, and customers. This position participates in a 24/7 on-call rotation with other team members. The on-call rotation is approximately one week per month. Qualifications B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field, or equivalent experience. 5+ years of experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment, with exposure to imaging systems, infrared remote sensing instruments, and spacecraft. Software skills in one or more languages (e.g. Python, Julia, C, C++). Experience developing and operating integrated test infrastructure and systems. Experience working hands-on with precision electro-optical equipment. Experience performing data analysis, post-processing, and test report generation. Demonstrated project management skills and ability to collaborate with other hardware and software engineering disciplines. 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 requirements development, error budgets/traceability/flowdown, VV planning and implementation, including on-orbit performance assessment. Experience with radiometric analysis, modeling, calibration, and measurement. Experience supporting integrated spacecraft testing and launch campaigns. Salary The salary range for this role is $184,000 - $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, s ... (truncated, view full listing at source)