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Staff Mission Formulation Lead- EO/IR

Muon Space· Mission Architecture & Formulation
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Hybrid (Northern VA)$187k - $223kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Lead strategic capture and mission formulation efforts in EO/IR for Muon Space, acting as a bridge between technical teams and business development to identify, develop, and capture high-value opportunities in emerging space markets.

Responsibilities

  • Lead execution of mission formulation contracts, drive cross-functional team to deliver mission concepts, documentation, and support customer engagement and growth in EO/IR domains.
  • Lead strategic capture campaigns for high-value mission opportunities across government and commercial sectors related to EO/IR and other optical remote sensing disciplines.
  • Drive execution of complex, multi-stage programs from early engagement and formulation through to design concepts and end-to-end mission execution and delivery.
  • Drive and support early-stage execution of R&D activities/proposals as Principal Investigator.
  • Lead creation of technical proposals, white papers, and concept studies that articulate the differentiation and mission utility of Muon’s offerings and drive R&D roadmaps.
  • Perform feasibility studies, literature reviews, and trade studies to support development of early-stage mission, instrument, and data concepts.
  • Support customer discovery and engagement efforts, translating operational pain points and needs into technical requirements and conceptual solutions.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, business development, and engineering teams to identify and develop new markets, products, and technologies.

Qualifications

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Physics, Remote Sensing, Earth Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical/scientific field.
  • 7+ years of experience in Earth remote sensing mission and/or instrument development.
  • Strong foundation in first principles with demonstrated ability to decompose high level mission objectives to technical concepts and solutions.
  • Background in infrared, multispectral, hyperspectral, or similar remote sensing phenomenologies
  • Experience in EO/IR and related space missions across government and commercial markets.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences.
  • Strong collaborative skills for working across disciplines including engineering, satellite operations, mission architecture, and business development.
  • Existing TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain and maintain.

Skills

Required:Mission formulation and proposal development
Nice to have:Programming (Python, MATLAB, Julia)Strategic planning / roadmapping

Benefits

  • equity compensation
  • 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
  • diversity and equal opportunity commitment
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.

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