Senior Optical Engineer

About the role Muon seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to join our team developing infrared remote sensing instruments. You will own stray light control and analysis by defining precise requirements for optical components and surface treatments, and optimizing optical transmission via custom coatings and filter components. Because this role spans a unique intersection of specialties—rigorous stray light analysis, custom coating specification, and spectral filter development—we welcome candidates who bring deep expertise in a subset of these areas and possess the strong foundational engineering skills and appetite to grow into the others. In this role, you will drive both the analytical modeling of stray light and the hands-on R&D efforts to specify, procure, and validate complex thin-film coatings and optical filters. Previous experience in non-sequential ray tracing, thin-film design, or vendor technical management in a fast-paced environment is required. Responsibilities • Perform comprehensive stray light analysis using FRED to quantify and mitigate out-of-field stray light, scatter, ghosting, and thermal self-emission across complex infrared optical assemblies. • Specify and analyze custom optical coatings and surface treatments to maximize transmission/reflectance and manage environmental durability for our multispectral IR instruments. • Serve as the primary technical liaison with specialized optical component vendors. • Drive R&D initiatives to advance internal capabilities in novel coating technologies, filter survivability in harsh environments (e.g., TVAC, radiation), and advanced optical materials. • Define test plans using metrology setups (e.g., spectrophotometry, scatterometry/BRDF measurements) to verify vendor deliverables and characterize component-level spectral and scatter performance. • Partner with optical and mechanical designers to iterate and optimize baffle designs, surface finishes, and optomechanical layouts based on rigorous stray light analysis. Qualifications • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering or physics field, or equivalent experience. • 5+ years of experience developing optical systems, specifically focused on stray light analysis, optical coatings, and component procurement. • Expertise in non-sequential ray tracing and stray light analysis software (e.g., FRED, LightTools). • Experience with thin-film coating design and analysis software (e.g., TFCalc, Essential Macleod, OptiLayer). • Proven track record of defining rigorous technical specifications for optical components and actively managing external vendors from concept through hardware delivery. • Hands-on experience with metrology equipment used to characterize optical coatings, filters, and scatter (e.g., spectrophotometers, scatterometers, ellipsometers, interferometers). • Software proficiency in one or more languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis, automation, and processing vendor test data. • Ability to obtain security clearance strongly preferred. Nice-to-have Skills • Experience working in cleanroom environments and handling sensitive optical components. • Deep understanding of infrared materials and the impacts of cryogenic temperatures on optical coatings and filter center-wavelength shifts. • Exposure to systems engineering, specifically requirements development and radiometric error budgeting. 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.