Instrument Integration Lab Manager
$184k - $202k USD
About the role
Muon Space seeks an Instrument Integration Lab Manager to join our team in Mountain View, CA, supporting the production of infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who bridges the gap between precision craftsmanship and operational excellence. In this role, you will own the physical realization of our hardware—from the operational management and optimization of our optical cleanroom facility to the daily execution of flight builds. You will be responsible for performing complex optomechanical integration and alignment, thermal vacuum and vibration testing, managing lab logistics to support concurrent programs, and collaborating with engineering teams to refine design for manufacturing and assembly processes. Previous experience with precision optical alignment, cleanroom operations, and system-level AIT for space applications in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment is required. This role is based in our Mountain View, CA office requiring daily on-site presence.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary owner of lab operations, managing ground support equipment (GSE) vendor interactions, receiving and setup, maintenance and training, lab safety protocols, contamination and ESD control standards, and consumable inventory to ensure zero downtime for critical program builds.
- Execute complex optical alignment and optomechanical assembly tasks, including precision alignment and bonding, mechanism integration, fastener torquing and staking, thermal hardware installation (heaters/sensors/straps), and electrical harness routing with high attention to detail.
- Support subsystem and instrument-level testing, including environmental (vibration, thermal-vacuum (TVAC) testing), system characterization/V&V, and radiometric calibration.
- Collaborate with Technical Program Managers and Instrument Leads to de-conflict schedules, allocating cleanroom space and GSE effectively across multiple concurrent instrument programs.
- Provide design feedback to engineering teams and advise on selection of optical and mechanical metrology equipment (e.g., interferometers, collimators, CMMs).
- Continuously identify opportunities to streamline the integration flow, recommending upgrades to tooling or workflow to increase throughput, quality, and efficiency as production scales.
- Set the standard for workmanship; mentor junior technicians and engineers on cleanroom best practices, precision assembly techniques, and safety protocols.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in a multi-disciplinary aerospace hardware environment, with direct exposure to imaging systems, infrared remote sensing instruments, or optical payloads.
- Demonstrated expertise in precision optomechanical assembly, including the use of precision electro-optical, optical, and mechanical metrology equipment.
- Proven experience with system integration and delivery of complex optomechanical systems.
- Deep familiarity with cleanroom operations (ISO 7 / Class 10K or better), including particle count monitoring and contamination control protocols.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage inventory, equipment calibration schedules, and build plans simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills; able to translate technical floor issues into clear feedback for design engineers and program managers.
- Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week.
- The individual must be able to routinely lift and move materials, equipment, or supplies weighing between 25 and 50 pounds.
- Willingness to obtain a US security clearance strongly preferred.
Nice-to-have Skills
- Experience assembling and characterizing moving mechanism assemblies.
- Basic software/scripting skills for data analysis or equipment automation (e.g., Python, C/C++).
- Previous experience setting up a new lab or manufacturing line from scratch.
Salary
The salary range for this role is $184,000 - $202,000 plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be 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.