Staff Optical Engineer

About the role Muon seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to act as a technical lead on our team in Mountain View, CA or Remote, developing infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with a versatile skill set, comfortable diving into everything from conceptual design and error budgeting to precision optical metrology and rigorous hardware execution. In this role, you will be the definitive technical authority for a new optical subsystem, owning the performance metrics while defining and driving the hands-on assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) of critical optical and optomechanical subsystems. Previous experience driving end-to-end optical development, managing stringent performance budgets, and integrating complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced, small-team environment is required. Responsibilities • Own the delivery of optical subsystems to the instrument program as the primary technical lead. • Own and manage comprehensive optical error budgets and performance metrics, including image quality (MTF, WFE), stray light, and radiometric throughput (BOL/EOL transmission) from conceptual design through hardware build and test. • Collaborate with systems engineering to support cross-functional technical budgets, including thermal constraints and line-of-sight pointing/jitter, ensuring adequate margins throughout development. • Define and drive the strategy for optical instrument assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) planning and implementation, leading collaboration across cross-functional teams. • Support subsystem and instrument level functional, performance, and environmental testing (including vibration, thermal-vacuum/TVAC, and thermal stress). • Champion the continuous improvement of testing methodologies, tools, and best practices to enhance overall efficiency and reliability in instrument development. Qualifications • Ph.D. and 5+ years of experience developing imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments within a multi-disciplinary environment; or M.S. and 8+ years industry experience; or B.S. and 10+ years industry experience. • Expertise in optical design and analysis (Zemax, Code V, FRED), including interpreting STOP analysis, allocating error budgets, and developing component specifications with vendors. • Extensive hands-on experience with precision optical metrology, advanced AI&T execution, root cause analysis, and rigorous test data reporting. • Software proficiency in one or more languages (e.g., Python, C++) for data analysis and automation. • Demonstrated technical leadership and project management skills, with the ability to clearly communicate and collaborate across optomechanical, mechanical, and thermal teams. • Ability to obtain security clearance strongly preferred. Nice-to-have Skills • Exposure to systems engineering, specifically requirements development and V&V. • Experience working in cleanroom environments. • Experience supporting integrated spacecraft-level environmental testing and launch campaigns. Salary The salary range for this role is $166,000 - $223,000, 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. 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.