Optical Test Engineer II

About the role

Muon seeks an Optical Engineer II 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 hybrid and requires working on-site in our Mountain View, CA office three days per 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

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment, with demonstrated experience with imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments.
• 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 $159,000-$184,000, 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.