Senior Instrument Scientist, Calibration Design

About the role

Muon's Instrument Science team, part of our broader Electro-Optical/Infrared Instruments organization, defines the science, models and calibrates the instrument, and validates its performance, translating physics into orbital capability from concept through end of life. As our Senior Instrument Scientist responsible for Calibration Design, you will own the radiometric and geometric calibration methodology for the instrument, define how raw instrument signal becomes science-grade, orbit-ready data, and partner with the Instrument Scientist responsible for Calibration Testing to turn that methodology into ground test procedures.

Responsibilities

• Define radiometric calibration methodology, establishing the standards and procedures used to convert raw instrument signal into calibrated, science-grade measurements.
• Define geometric calibration methodology, establishing the standards and procedures used to determine and correct the instrument's pointing and geometric accuracy.
• Define calibration data processing and outputs, partnering with the Infrared Data Product team to ensure calibration artifacts meet downstream product needs.
• Support ground-calibration test planning, partnering with the Instrument Scientist responsible for Calibration Testing to translate methodology into executable test procedures.
• Participate in a twenty-four-hour, seven-day on-call rotation to support on-orbit anomaly resolution. The on-call rotation is approximately one week every month and a half.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral degree in engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience developing radiometric or geometric calibration methodology for imaging systems, remote sensing instruments, or comparable electro-optical hardware.
• Familiarity with calibration equipment such as integrating spheres, blackbodies, collimators, or autocollimators.
• Experience turning radiometric or geometric calibration methodology into data processing algorithms that produce calibration products.
• Strong communication skills, comfortable translating calibration methodology into requirements and test procedures across Instrument Systems, Instrument Assembly, Integration and Test, and Instrument Design.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Familiarity with ground calibration test infrastructure and procedures.
• Experience with visible and infrared sensors, and scanner characterization.
• Experience supporting calibration data validation with downstream data product teams.
• Experience with calibration uncertainty analysis and error budgeting.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support in-person calibration or validation campaigns.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $158,000 - $207,000, 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.