← All roles

Senior Optical Engineer

Muon Space· Engineering - EO/IR Instruments
Apply on company site
Hybrid (Mountain View, CA)$171k - $218kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Senior Optical Engineer leading end-to-end optical subsystem development for infrared remote sensing instruments, with ownership of performance metrics, AI&T planning, and cross-functional collaboration.

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 3+ years of experience developing imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments within a multi-disciplinary environment; or M.S. and 6+ years industry experience; or B.S. and 8+ 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.

Skills

Required:Optical design and analysisOptical metrologyProgramming / Scripting

Benefits

  • equity grant
  • medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k retirement plan
  • short & long term disability and life insurance
  • three weeks paid vacation
  • 12 paid holidays
  • unlimited sick time
  • paid parental leave
Last updated Oct 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Muon Space

The Mission Foundry — designing, building, and operating high-performance satellite constellations for National Security, civil, and commercial customers.

Design, build, and operate mission-optimized satellite constellations with Muon Space.

Mission FoundryMission DesignSpacecraft PlatformsPayloads & Data ProductsOrbital AIConstellation ProductionManaged Orbital Services
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Muon Space