Instrument Systems Engineer

About the role Muon seeks an Instrument Systems Engineer to join our team in Mountain View, 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, driving development from concept through on-orbit operations. 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 Develop instrument concept of operations, radiometric model, transmission budget, and scene observation geometry model, and integrate with mission simulation tools. Develop and manage technical budgets, including mass, power, thermal, line-of-sight pointing/jitter, and data volume, to ensure adequate margins throughout development. Develop comprehensive interface control documents (ICDs) across mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software interfaces, to drive a modular instrument architecture. Support optical instrument assembly, integration, and test (AIT) planning and implementation, including collaboration with cross-functional teams. Contribute to the continuous improvement of best practices, processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and scalability of instrument development. Collaborate and communicate effectively with instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, ground and flight software engineers, program managers, and customers. This position participates in a 24/7 on-call rotation to support on-orbit anomaly resolution. 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++). Experience integrating and interpreting STOP analysis results to drive instrument design trades and error budget allocations. Experience with root cause analysis efforts including data analysis and testing. Experience performing data analysis, post-processing, and test report generation. Excellent communication, presentation, and organization skills. Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week. Nice-to-Have Skills Experience working hands-on with precision optical and mechanical metrology equipment. Experience supporting environmental testing (thermal stress screening, TVAC, random vibration), integrated spacecraft testing, and launch campaigns. Experience working in cleanroom environments. 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, ... (truncated, view full listing at source)