How to apply for Principal Mission Architect - EO/IR

About Muon Space

Muon Space builds Earth-sensing satellite technology aimed at climate action. The company works on cutting-edge space missions, so employees contribute directly to climate-focused remote sensing programs.

About the role

This principal mission architect and mission formulation lead role directs the development of new mission architectures. You will work with customers to identify their true needs, manage a team of engineers, perform mission-level analyses, develop requirements, and design cost-effective space missions. The role focuses on EO/IR, persistent infrared, or MW/MT/MD missions.

A typical day

A typical day may involve working with customers to clarify their needs, running mission-level analyses or trade studies, and coordinating with a team of engineers on requirements and design. You might also evaluate spacecraft performance, constellation configurations, and top-level mission budgets. Ask the hiring team for specifics on daily routines and team structure, as these are not detailed in the job posting.

Who Muon Space is looking for

• Has a B.S. or higher in a related engineering field plus 12 years of experience working with space missions.
• Has direct experience with EO/IR, persistent infrared, or MW/MT/MD missions.
• Can work with customers to identify their true needs and manage a team of engineers to develop cost-effective solutions.
• Is a self-motivated, versatile engineer who can perform mission-level analyses, develop requirements, and design practical space missions.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific experience with EO/IR, persistent infrared, or MW/MT/MD missions in your resume and cover letter.
• Quantify your 12+ years of space mission experience with concrete examples of mission-level analysis, requirements definition, and payload design.
• Show how you have worked directly with customers to identify their true needs and translate them into cost-effective mission concepts.
• Demonstrate experience managing a team of engineers and collaborating with instrument design teams, discipline engineers, and scientists.
• Mention any software tools or coding you have used for engineering trade studies or system design questions.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your direct experience with EO/IR, persistent infrared, or MW/MT/MD missions and how it applies to Muon Space's climate-focused Earth-sensing work.", 'A concrete example of leading a mission concept from customer needs through requirements definition and top-level mission budgets.', 'Your ability to manage a team of engineers and collaborate across disciplines to meet mission objectives.', 'Your hands-on experience with mission-level analysis, spacecraft performance evaluation, and constellation configuration.']

Research before applying

• Muon Space's current Earth-sensing satellite programs and any publicly available mission architectures or instrument designs.
• The company's climate action goals and how their EO/IR or infrared sensing technology supports those goals.
• Muon Space's mission development team structure and any public information about their engineering tools or software stack.
• Recent news or publications about Muon Space's satellite launches, contracts, or technology demonstrations.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would develop a complete mission concept from a customer's stated needs, including requirements definition and top-level budgets.
• Your approach to performing mission-level analysis and engineering trade studies for EO/IR or persistent infrared missions.
• How you evaluate spacecraft performance and constellation configuration for a cost-effective space mission.
• Your experience managing a team of engineers and working with instrument design teams on payload requirements.
• Specific technical challenges you have solved in prior EO/IR, MW/MT/MD, or persistent infrared missions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without clearly stating your specific experience with EO/IR, persistent infrared, or MW/MT/MD missions.
• Focusing only on general space mission experience without showing mission-level analysis, requirements definition, or cost-effective design work.
• Neglecting to mention experience managing engineers or collaborating with instrument design teams and customers.