[Hiring] Senior Instrument Scientist, Calibration Design @Muon Space

Role Description

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.

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

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

Company Description

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.