Permanent Payload Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Sr. Software Engineering Manager to lead the team responsible for building the platform that operates the flight and payload systems for on-orbit satellites. This team owns the core software, services, and tools that implement core flight operations including communications, telemetry, power management, sensor and payload operation and system orchestration.

In this role, you will develop the people, processes, and technical direction needed to deliver scalable, reliable systems that convert customer intent into safe and efficient on-orbit operations. You will collaborate closely with customers, ground platform and mission operations, to implement solutions that are robust, flexible, scalable and easy to integrate with.

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

• Lead, mentor, and grow a software engineering team responsible for core flight software development
• Define team goals, and technical roadmaps that align with companies priorities.
• Ensure reliability, scalability, and performance of mission-critical services operating in production.
• Work with cross-functional stakeholders to translate mission needs into clear requirements and technical specifications.
• Drive engineering best practices including design reviews, code quality, testing, and observability.
• Manage team capacity, staffing, and growth, including hiring, coaching, and performance development.
• Promote a culture of technical ownership, continuous improvement, and pragmatic delivery.

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field OR equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of software engineering experience and 2+ years of experience managing software engineering team building production systems.
• Significant experience developing in languages such as C++, Python or Rust
• Strong technical background in embedded systems (RTOS and/or Linux class typically)
• Demonstrated experience building and operating mission-critical products with uptime, reliability, and performance requirements.
• Experience defining technical direction and driving execution through a team.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Experience in aerospace, robotics or other domains with real-time scheduling, planning, or resource allocation and critical operations
• Experience developing in Rust

The salary range for this role is $210,000 - $234,000, 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.

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.

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. In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

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.