Senior Systems Engineer, EO/IR Payloads

muonspace; United States; Remote; USD 138,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

muonspace is seeking a senior systems engineer to explore EO/IR payload concepts for next-gen small-satellite remote sensing missions. The role sits at the intersection of applied science, payload engineering, product, and business development to shape imaging modes and proof-of-concept efforts early in R&D roadmaps.

You will conceptualize architectures, derive requirements, run simulations, and lead or support R&D proposals as a PI, collaborating with science and product teams to

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, physics, optical sciences, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years as a systems or instrument engineer with deep EO/IR payload domain knowledge.
• Background in infrared, multispectral, hyperspectral, or related remote sensing phenomenologies.
• Familiarity with traditional systems engineering: requirements, modeling/simulation, and technical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, analyze, and experiment with EO/IR payload architectures, imaging modes, and use cases for diverse customers.
• Derive system requirements and build simulations, models, and analyses to evaluate early-stage concepts.
• Lead or support R&D activities and proposals as a Principal Investigator, articulating differentiation through papers, studies, and briefs.
• Partner with applied science and product groups to translate ideas into demonstrable architectures.
• Perform trade studies, radiometric analyses, and budget evaluations for unconventional applications.
• Contribute to customer discovery, capability demonstrations, and proposal generation with EO/IR expertise.

Skills

Python

Julia

MATLAB

Modeling & analysis

Communication skills

Travel up to 30%

Simulation

Radiometric concepts

Education

BS/MS/PhD in engineering/physics/optical sciences

Tools

Simulation software

Job description

Role overview

A senior systems engineering position focused on early-stage exploration of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload concepts for next-generation small-satellite remote sensing missions. The role sits at the intersection of applied science, payload engineering, product, and business development, shaping novel imaging modes, use cases, and proof-of-concept efforts that influence R&D roadmaps well before formal development begins.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, analyze, and experiment with new EO/IR payload architectures, imaging modes, and operational use cases for defense, intelligence, philanthropic, and commercial customers.
• Derive system and payload requirements, then build simulations, models, and detailed analyses to evaluate feasibility of early-stage concepts.
• Lead or support R&D activities and proposals as a Principal Investigator, articulating differentiation through white papers, concept studies, and technical briefs.
• Partner with applied science and product groups to translate promising ideas into rigorous, demonstrable technical architectures.
• Perform trade studies, radiometric analyses, and budget evaluations for unconventional applications prior to traditional development phases.
• Contribute to customer discovery, capability demonstrations, and proposal generation with deep EO/IR systems engineering expertise.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, physics, optical sciences, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years as a systems or instrument engineer with deep EO/IR payload domain knowledge.
• Background in infrared, multispectral, hyperspectral, or related remote sensing phenomenologies.
• Familiarity with traditional systems engineering: requirements, modeling/simulation, and technical analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, Julia, MATLAB, or similar for modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills; ability to travel roughly 25-30%.
• Eligibility to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance is required; active clearance strongly preferred.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with early-stage business development, strategic capture, or customer discovery.
• Hands-on experience with radiometric models, scene simulations, rapid prototyping, or experimental payload demonstrations.
• Understanding of small-satellite remote sensing architectures.

Benefits and work setup

• Salary range $138,000–$195,000 plus equity and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k); short- and long-term disability; life insurance.
• Three weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, and paid parental leave.
• On-site work at a Silicon Valley facility optimized for spacecraft manufacturing and payload integration.
• U.S. export-control restrictions apply; candidates must meet ITAR/EAR eligibility.