Instrument AIT Lead, Optical Systems

Muon Space, Inc.; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 184,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401k retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Muon Space, Inc. seeks a Manager of Instrument Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) to lead a multidisciplinary team of optical engineers and technicians in Mountain View, CA.

You will set technical standards for optical alignment, GSE, and test automation while contributing hands-on in critical alignment operations and anomaly investigations. You will drive environmental qualification campaigns and ensure seamless collaboration with Design and Delivery.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and 3+ years (or MS and 6+ years; BS+8+) in optical/optomechanical engineering with leadership experience.
• Hands-on experience leading AIT campaigns for space optical instruments or similar.
• Experience with precision optical metrology: interferometers, collimators, laser trackers, test sources.
• Proficiency in Python for instrument test automation, hardware control, and data analysis.
• Experience planning environmental qualification testing (TVAC and vibration) in cleanrooms.
• Proven ability to define structured optomechanical build flows and automated test procedures.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to obtain security clearance (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of optical engineers and technicians.
• Establish test architecture standards, automation frameworks, and data processing pipelines.
• Oversee design, procurement, integration, and validation of optical GSE.
• Develop procedures for precision optomechanical assembly and alignment.
• Translate V&V and calibration requirements into executable tests; lead root-cause analyses.
• Drive environmental qualification campaigns (TVAC and vibration).
• Coordinate with Instrument Delivery to align build flows with cleanroom operations and safety.

Skills

Optical integration leadership

AIT campaigns leadership

Python for test automation

Environmental qualification testing (T

Interferometers / laser trackers

GSE design & integration

Strong communication

Security clearance eligible

Education

Ph.D. or MS with extensive optical engineering experience

Tools

Python

Zemax / Code V

GSE CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

Muon Space, Inc. seeks a Manager of Instrument Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) to lead a multidisciplinary team of optical engineers and technicians in Mountain View, CA.

You will set technical standards for optical alignment, GSE, and test automation while contributing hands-on in critical alignment operations and anomaly investigations. You will drive environmental qualification campaigns and ensure seamless collaboration with Design and Delivery.