Senior Remote Sensing Data Scientist, Cal/Val

About the role

Muon Space is building a family of infrared imaging missions designed for global wildfire detection and monitoring, weather and cloud characterization, and space-based environmental monitoring. 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. We are seeking a Data Scientist to join the team to build out the on-orbit data calibration system.

In this role, the candidate will join Muon’s calibration team to develop calibration and image processing of the unique multi-spectral infrared data from several instrument variations in Muon’s IR missions. As the FireSat constellation scales, this role will take on an expanded mandate that spans both the FireSat Initial Operating Capability (IOC) commissioning and Muon's Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) program. In the near term, the candidate will join the calibration team to commission and calibrate the three FireSat satellites of the IOC constellation, scheduled to launch in Q3 2026. In parallel, the candidate will develop a comprehensive calibration plan for Muon's SBEM instruments — a next-generation sensor suite featuring additional infrared spectral bands and significantly more stringent radiometric calibration requirements than the FireSat camera. As the SBEM program advances toward its 2027 launch, the candidate will first collaborate with the IR Instrument team on pre-launch calibration activities, then transition to lead the full on-orbit calibration of the SBEM instruments.

This position can be performed remotely from an approved location.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement radiometric calibration and image processing of the multispectral infrared imagery from Muon’s FireSat mission.
• Develop then execute the calibration program for the SBEM infrared camera.
• Research and development to improve foundational data calibration and processing.
• Implement and operate production pipelines for calibration and 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 3+ years of industry experience; or MS with 6+ years industry experience; or BS +8 years industry experience
• 4+ years of experience calibrating imaging instruments
• Hands-on experience with complex data from new imaging instruments
• Exceptional skills in python-based development and analysis
• Strong statistical and mathematical skills
• Ability to work with a distributed, interdisciplinary team (scientists, engineers, data support)
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start up environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mid-wave infrared instruments and mid-wave infrared data processing
• Calibrating on-orbit instruments
• Deep knowledge of the science of remote sensing.
• Experience with geospatial data processing
• Familiarity with common geospatial data tooling and formats (e.g. XArray, COG, NetCDF)
• Domain expertise in geospatial analytics
• Familiarity with cloud-native systems (AWS, preferably)
• Experience working with large TB-sized datasets

Salary

The salary range for this role is $138,000 - $198,000, 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.