Remote Astronomy Software Engineer Jobs in San Ramon, CA

Muon Space is building a family of infrared imaging missions designed for global wildfire detection and monitoring, weather and cloud characterization, space-based environmental monitoring, and more. Muon's IR Data Products team builds the analytics system that processes the data from our spacecraft's custom multispectral imaging instruments into data products and analytics for diverse end-user stakeholders from these missions. We are seeking a Calibration Software Engineer, Geometry, to join the team.

In this role, the candidate will focus initially on geometric calibration and geospatial data processing of the unique multi-spectral infrared data from the FireSat camera. The candidate will work within our team to design and implement camera geometry models, geolocation calibration, and advanced geospatial processing algorithms - including bundle adjustment, orthorectification, and atmospheric corrections - that are foundational to the quality and accuracy of FireSat data products. The candidate will be responsible for completing the on-orbit geometric calibration of new FireSat satellites during the commissioning phase, and will be expected to improve on the current approach by building novel, scalable geometric calibration and processing systems that will grow to support dozens of satellites. Additional responsibilities will include writing production-ready code, geospatial data engineering, implementing and operating production processing systems, as well as engaging with derived product development and external customer needs for our multiple customer bases.

• Complete on-orbit geometric calibration of new FireSat satellites during the commissioning phase.
• Design and implement geometric calibration of multispectral infrared imagery from Muon's infrared missions, including camera geometry modeling and geolocation calibration.
• Develop and implement geolocation calibration algorithms to validate and correct on-orbit pointing knowledge.
• Continuously improve geospatial processing algorithms including bundle adjustment, orthorectification, and atmospheric corrections.
• Research and develop metrics for and improvements to geometric accuracy, image registration, and spatial data quality.
• Implement and operate production pipelines for geometric calibration and geospatial data processing.
• Write production-ready code.
• Work cross-functionally within the team and across Muon to design, build, and maintain operational services from Muon's core remote sensing missions.
• Learn new topics as needed (measurement techniques, geospatial data engineering, software engineering, customer domain-specific implications).

• PhD with 5+ years of experience in a relevant domain (remote sensing, photogrammetry, geodesy, astronomy, physics, or related field); or MS with 8+ years industry experience; or BS with 10+ years industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with geometric calibration of imaging instruments.
• Deep knowledge of the science of remote sensing and photogrammetric processing including bundle adjustment and orthorectification.
• Strong mathematical skills, particularly in geometry, linear algebra, and statistics.
• Exceptional skills in Python-based development and analysis.
• Ability to work with a distributed, interdisciplinary team (scientists, engineers, data support).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Experience calibrating on-orbit instruments.
• Experience with mid-wave or long-wave infrared instruments and data processing.
• Experience developing or applying atmospheric correction algorithms for infrared or multispectral imagery.
• Familiarity with common geospatial data tooling and formats (e.g. XArray, COG, GeoTIFF, NetCDF, gdal).
• Familiarity with cloud-native systems (AWS preferred).
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Experience with image quality assessment (e.g. MTF, spatial resolution characterization).

The salary range for this role is $143,000 - $214,000, 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.