Instrument Systems Engineer

About the role

Muon seeks an Instrument Systems Engineer to join our team in Mountain View, CA developing 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 disciplines to drive the vendor technical management of optomechanical subsystems, from concept to delivery. Previous experience developing optical and infrared instruments for space remote sensing in fast-paced and small-team environments is preferred.

You will be responsible for interacting with cross-functional team members, vendors, and partners to develop requirements and ICDs, manage design and analysis, contribute to definition of integration and test plans, and drive delivery. Muon is a lean and agile team, so keys to success in this role are your ability to “right-size” analysis and processes for differing levels of system maturity and risk, your flexibility to work with changing demands and schedules, and your effective communication of technical content to a diverse audience.

This position will be located at our office in Mountain View, CA or Remote. 

Responsibilities

• Responsible for procurement and vendor technical management for instrument optical and optomechanical subsystems and components, including tracking and acceptance of contractual deliverables, e.g. end-item data packages.
• Assess internal and external risks to the instrument, develop mitigation plans, and communicate them effectively.
• Collaborate effectively with subsystem engineers and analysts, instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, program managers, and external partner teams.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in instrument development.
• Contribute to the development of instrument system, subsystem, and component performance models and integrate with internal simulation tools.

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 spacecraft, remote sensing instruments, and imaging systems.
• Experience driving right-sized trade studies and identifying systems solutions.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines, including optical, mechanical, and thermal teams.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and organization skills.
• Experience with root cause analysis efforts including data analysis and testing.
• Software skills in one or more languages (e.g. Python, Julia, C++).
• 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.
• Experience working hands-on with precision electro-optical, optical, and mechanical metrology equipment.
• Experience supporting integrated spacecraft testing and launch campaigns.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $130k - $195k and will depend on a candidate's skills geographic location, qualifications, and experience as defined during the interview process.