On-orbit Geometric Calibration Engineer
About Muon Space
Muon Space designs, builds, and operates satellite constellations that provide Earth intelligence for a safe and resilient world. Muon builds vertically integrated solutions from satellite missions through data analytics and actionable insights. Measuring, understanding and predicting Earth's complex, coupled systems is both a great business opportunity and key to leaving future generations a livable, productive and healthy planet. At Muon Space, we make this real.
About the role
Muon Space is building a family of infrared imaging missions designed for global wildfire detection and monitoring, weather and cloud characterization, space-based environmental monitoring, and more. Muon's IR Data Products team builds the analytics system that processes the data from our spacecraft's custom multispectral imaging instruments into data products and analytics for diverse end-user stakeholders from these missions.
In this role, the candidate will focus initially on geometric calibration and geospatial data processing of the unique multi-spectral infrared data from the FireSat camera. The candidate will work within our team to design and implement camera geometry models, geolocation calibration, and advanced geospatial processing algorithms — including bundle adjustment, orthorectification, and atmospheric corrections — that are foundational to the quality and accuracy of FireSat data products. The candidate will be responsible for completing the on-orbit geometric calibration of new FireSat satellites during the commissioning phase, and will be expected to improve on the current approach by building novel, scalable geometric calibration and processing systems that will grow to support dozens of satellites. Additional responsibilities will include writing production-ready code, geospatial data engineering, implementing and operating production processing systems, as well as engaging with derived product development and external customer needs for our multiple customer bases.
Responsibilities
- Complete on-orbit geometric calibration of new FireSat satellites during the commissioning phase.
- Design and implement geometric calibration of multispectral infrared imagery from Muon's infrared missions, including camera geometry modeling and geolocation calibration.
- Develop and implement geolocation calibration algorithms to validate and correct on-orbit pointing knowledge.
- Continuously improve geospatial processing algorithms including bundle adjustment, orthorectification, and atmospheric corrections.
- Research and develop metrics for and improvements to geometric accuracy, image registration, and spatial data quality.
- Implement and operate production pipelines for geometric calibration and geospatial data processing.
- Write production-ready code.
- Work cross-functionally within the team and across Muon to design, build, and maintain operational services from Muon's core remote sensing missions.
- Learn new topics as needed (measurement techniques, geospatial data engineering, software engineering, customer domain-specific implications).
Qualifications
- PhD with 5+ years of experience in a relevant domain (remote sensing, photogrammetry, geodesy, astronomy, physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or related field); or MS with 8+ years industry experience; or BS with 10+ years industry experience.
- Strong mathematical skills, particularly in geometry, linear algebra, statistics, and modeling.
- Python-based development and analysis skills
- Ability to work with a distributed, interdisciplinary team (scientists, engineers, data support).
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior knowledge of the science of remote sensing and photogrammetric processing including bundle adjustment and orthorectification.
- Hands-on experience with geometric calibration of imaging instruments.
- Experience calibrating on-orbit instruments.
- Experience with mid-wave or long-wave infrared instruments and data processing.
- Experience developing or applying atmospheric correction algorithms for infrared or multispectral imagery.
- Familiarity with common geospatial data tooling and formats (e.g. XArray, COG, GeoTIFF, NetCDF, gdal).
- Experience with image quality assessment (e.g. MTF, spatial resolution characterization).
Salary
The salary range for this role is $143,000 - $214,000, 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.
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.
You'll be redirected to
the company's application page