Senior Instrument Scientist, Calibration Design

About the role

Muon's Instrument Science team, part of our broader Electro-Optical/Infrared Instruments organization, defines the science, models and calibrates the instrument, and validates its performance, translating physics into orbital capability from concept through end of life. As our Senior Instrument Scientist responsible for Calibration Design, you will own the radiometric and geometric calibration methodology for the instrument, define how raw instrument signal becomes science-grade, orbit-ready data, and partner with the Instrument Scientist responsible for Calibration Testing to turn that methodology into ground test procedures.

Responsibilities

• Define radiometric calibration methodology, establishing the standards and procedures used to convert raw instrument signal into calibrated, science-grade measurements.
• Define geometric calibration methodology, establishing the standards and procedures used to determine and correct the instrument's pointing and geometric accuracy.
• Define calibration data processing and outputs, partnering with the Infrared Data Product team to ensure calibration artifacts meet downstream product needs.
• Support ground-calibration test planning, partnering with the Instrument Scientist responsible for Calibration Testing to translate methodology into executable test procedures.
• Participate in a twenty-four-hour, seven-day on-call rotation to support on-orbit anomaly resolution. The on-call rotation is approximately one week every month and a half.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral degree in engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience developing radiometric or geometric calibration methodology for imaging systems, remote sensing instruments, or comparable electro-optical hardware.
• Familiarity with calibration equipment such as integrating spheres, blackbodies, collimators, or autocollimators.
• Experience turning radiometric or geometric calibration methodology into data processing algorithms that produce calibration products.
• Strong communication skills, comfortable translating calibration methodology into requirements and test procedures across Instrument Systems, Instrument Assembly, Integration and Test, and Instrument Design.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Familiarity with ground calibration test infrastructure and procedures.
• Experience with visible and infrared sensors, and scanner characterization.
• Experience supporting calibration data validation with downstream data product teams.
• Experience with calibration uncertainty analysis and error budgeting.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support in-person calibration or validation campaigns.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $158,000 - $207,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined 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 paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.

Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too. Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Muon is currently registered and able to hire in the following states:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.