Senior Optical Test Engineer

Muonspace; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 179,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Vacation 3 weeks

Holidays 12

Parental leave

Unlimited sick time

Job summary

Muon Space in Mountain View, CA seeks a Senior Optical Test Engineer to lead hands-on testing of infrared remote sensing instruments. The role focuses on test campaigns, GSE development, and environmental qualification for optical, optomechanical, and moving mechanism subsystems.

You will collaborate across engineering, AI&T, and production teams in a fast-paced environment, driving test strategy and accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. plus 3+ years in imaging or remote sensing within a multi-disciplinary environment
• M.S. plus 6+ years industry experience in relevant field
• B.S. plus 8+ years industry experience in relevant field
• Python or C++ proficiency
• Experience with optical/metrology equipment
• Strong data analysis and test-report generation skills
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Responsibilities

• Lead optical, optomechanical, and moving mechanism test efforts including strategy, procedures, execution, and reporting
• Perform functional, performance, and environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, thermal stress) at subsystem and instrument levels
• Develop and operate ground software/hardware test setups to support instrument characterization and integration
• Drive continuous improvements in testing methodologies and tools
• Collaborate with engineers, production teams, program managers, and stakeholders to align test goals

Skills

Python

C++

Optical metrology

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in optics or imaging

M.S. in optical engineering or related field

B.S. in physics/engineering

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

About the role

Muon seeks a Senior Optical Test Engineer 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 fully onsite and requires working in our Mountain View office five days a week.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and 3+ years of experience working with imaging systems or remote sensing instruments within a multi-disciplinary environment; or M.S. and 6+ years industry experience; or B.S. and 8+ years industry experience.
• 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.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks 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.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $179,000 - $230,000, 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.

Muon is currently registered and able to hire in the following states:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA

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.