Optical Test Engineer II

About the role

Muon seeks an Optical Engineer II 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, comfortable diving into everything from precision optical metrology to rigorous environmental testing. In this role, you will drive the hands‑on testing, characterization, and environmental qualification of critical optical, optomechanical, and moving mechanism subsystems.

Previous experience designing test campaigns, developing ground support equipment, and integrating complex electro‑optical systems in a fast‑paced, small‑team environment is preferred.

This position is hybrid and requires working on‑site in our Mountain View, CA office three days per week.

• Drive optical, optomechanical, and moving mechanism component and subsystem test efforts including definition of test strategy and standards, creation of test procedures, test execution, post‑processing/data analysis, and generation of test reports.
• Conduct functional, performance, and environmental testing (including vibration, thermal‑vacuum/TVAC, and thermal stress) at both the subsystem and instrument levels.
• Develop and operate ground support equipment (GSE) and testbeds to facilitate instrument‑level characterization, calibration, spacecraft integration, and full‑system check‑outs.
• Champion the continuous improvement of testing methodologies, tools, and best practices to enhance overall efficiency and reliability in instrument development.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with subsystem engineers and analysts, instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, AI&T and production teams, program managers, and other stakeholders.

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience working in a multi‑disciplinary environment, with demonstrated experience with imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments.
• Basic software skills in one or more languages (e.g. Python, C++).
• Experience working with precision optical and mechanical metrology equipment.
• Experience with root cause analysis efforts and performing rigorous 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.

• Proficiency in CAD (Solid Works preferred) for test fixture design.
• Experience assembling and characterizing moving mechanism assemblies.
• Exposure to design and analysis of optical components and systems.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.

The salary range for this role is $159,000-$184,000, 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.

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 m climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.

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…