How to apply for Senior Instrument Scientist, Calibration Design

About Muon Space

Muon Space is a climate-focused satellite company building advanced Earth-sensing instruments to monitor and protect the planet. Their Electro-Optical/Infrared Instruments organization develops cutting-edge remote sensing technology, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of space science and climate action. Employees join a mission-driven team that translates physics into orbital capability, directly contributing to solutions for global environmental challenges.

About the role

As the Senior Instrument Scientist for Calibration Design, you will own the end-to-end radiometric and geometric calibration methodology for Muon's EO/IR instruments. You'll define how raw sensor data becomes science-grade, orbit-ready measurements, collaborating closely with the Calibration Testing Scientist and the Infrared Data Product team. This role is pivotal in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of climate data from space, directly impacting Muon's ability to deliver actionable insights.

A typical day

A typical day might involve refining radiometric calibration algorithms, meeting with the Calibration Testing Scientist to align on ground test procedures, and reviewing calibration data outputs with the Infrared Data Product team. You might also participate in on-call rotations to troubleshoot calibration anomalies, ensuring instruments continue to deliver accurate climate data.

Who Muon Space is looking for

• Ph.D. in physics, optics, remote sensing, or a related field with 5+ years of experience in radiometric and geometric calibration of EO/IR instruments.
• Deep understanding of calibration standards, procedures, and data processing pipelines for space-based sensors, including experience with on-orbit calibration and validation.
• Proven ability to translate calibration methodology into executable ground test procedures and collaborate with cross-functional teams (instrument scientists, data product engineers).
• Familiarity with on-call support for instrument operations and a passion for applying calibration expertise to climate monitoring missions.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific projects where you developed radiometric or geometric calibration methodologies for EO/IR instruments, emphasizing the impact on data quality.
• Demonstrate experience with end-to-end calibration pipelines, from raw signal to science-grade data, and mention any collaboration with data product teams.
• Explicitly reference Muon Space's climate mission and how your calibration work can contribute to Earth-sensing satellite technology.
• Show familiarity with ground calibration test planning and translating methodology into test procedures, as this is a key partnership in the role.
• If you have on-call experience, mention it—Muon values operational readiness and the ability to support instruments in orbit.

What to cover in your cover letter

1. Your hands-on experience designing radiometric and geometric calibration methodologies for EO/IR instruments, with concrete examples. 2. How you've partnered with testing teams to turn calibration designs into executable ground tests. 3. Your ability to ensure calibration outputs meet downstream data product needs, ideally with experience collaborating with data product engineers. 4. Your motivation to apply calibration expertise to climate action and contribute to Muon's mission.

Research before applying

• Learn about Muon Space's current and planned satellite missions, especially their EO/IR instruments and climate-focused objectives.
• Understand their Electro-Optical/Infrared Instruments organization structure and how the Instrument Science team fits into the broader company.
• Research common calibration challenges in small satellite EO/IR instruments and how Muon might address them.
• Look into Muon's data products and how calibration impacts their end-users, to speak credibly about downstream needs.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a calibration methodology you designed from scratch—what were the key considerations and how did you validate it?
• How do you ensure geometric calibration accuracy for a satellite instrument, and what challenges have you faced in correcting pointing errors?
• Describe a time you collaborated with a testing team to implement a calibration procedure. What was your approach to translating methodology into test steps?
• What experience do you have with on-call support for instrument calibration? How do you handle urgent calibration issues?
• How would you approach defining calibration data outputs to meet the needs of a downstream data product team, such as for climate monitoring?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on theoretical calibration without demonstrating practical implementation in ground or on-orbit environments.
• Neglecting to mention collaboration with testing or data product teams, as this role heavily emphasizes partnership.
• Applying with a generic cover letter that doesn't connect your calibration expertise to Muon's climate mission and specific EO/IR instruments.