Senior Optical Engineer - Integration

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–with an initial focus on assembly, integration, and test, with opportunity to grow into other areas including optical design and analysis.

You will be responsible for interacting with cross functional team members, vendors, and partners to drive optical instrument 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.

• Own planning and development of procedures for assembly and alignment of complex optomechanical assemblies, defining alignment strategies, and system integration build flow.
• Execute high-precision optical alignment and integration with rigorous attention to detail, performing hands‑on tasks such as critical bonding operations, scan mirror calibration, and co‑alignment of multiple imaging systems.
• Support system‑level Verification and Validation (V&V) and radiometric calibration activities, through planning, development, and execution of test procedures in collaboration with systems engineers.
• Support subsystem and instrument‑level (functional / performance), and environmental (vibration, thermal‑vacuum (TVAC) testing, thermal stress testing) testing, through execution of test procedures.
• 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, AI&T and production teams, program managers, external partner teams, and other stakeholders.

• B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience with system integration of complex optomechanical systems in cleanroom environments.
• Experience working with precision optical and mechanical metrology equipment, including interferometers, EO/IR collimators, and laser trackers.
• Experience performing data analysis (using Python) and test report generation.
• Experience with root cause analysis efforts including data analysis and testing.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organization skills.
• Excited to work in a fast‑paced environment with new challenges each week.

• Experience with optical design and analysis (Zemax, Code V, FRED), including design of custom optical lab test setups.
• Experience with CAD modeling (Solid Works preferred) for component and assembly design.
• Experience supporting integrated spacecraft testing and launch campaigns.

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.

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.

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