Senior Applied Scientist, Geospatial

About the role

Muon Space is seeking a creative and technically rigorous Senior Applied Scientist, Geospatial to join our Mission Innovation team. In this high-impact, "zero-to-one" role, you will bridge the gap between scientific first principles and market-ready data products. You will not just be running existing pipelines; you will be the scientific engine and creative force exploring new applications of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) geospatial imagery data, developing prototype products, and engaging directly with customers to discover the missions of tomorrow. Operating at the earliest stages of the business lifecycle, you will hypothesize and validate how Muon’s unique EO/IR geospatial imagery datasets can solve critical challenges for defense, intelligence, and commercial end-users. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct first-principles scientific and technical analysis to formulate hypotheses for remote sensing electro-optical and infrared imagery data applications and novel use cases.
• Perform feasibility studies, literature reviews, and trade studies to support development of early-stage mission and data concepts.
• Analyze and manipulate pixel-level geospatial and spectral datasets to extract unique insights and validate new mission concepts.
• Develop and generate prototype electro-optical and infrared imagery products and sample intelligence products that demonstrate unique capabilities of Muon’s systems.
• Support customer discovery and engagement efforts, translating operational pain points and needs into technical requirements and derived data solutions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, business development, and engineering teams to identify and develop new markets, products, and technologies.
• Support creation of technical proposals and white papers that articulate the differentiation and mission utility of Muon’s offerings.

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Physics, Remote Sensing, Earth Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical/scientific field.
• 5 years of experience in geospatial research, analysis, and imagery data product development.
• Strong foundation in scientific first principles, including geospatial imagery analysis, spectral science, optical systems, and physics-based remote sensing.
• Background in infrared, multispectral, hyperspectral, or similar remote sensing phenomenologies
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia) for advanced image processing and geospatial analysis.
• Proven experience working directly with geospatial tools and manipulating raw, pixel-level data.
• Strategic and creative mindset with the ability to reason through novel, ambiguous problems without established "cookbooks".
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong collaborative skills for working across disciplines like data engineering, satellite operations, and mission architecture.

Nice-to-have Skills 

• Experience working with IC/DoW missions and end-users on the application of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) products.
• Familiarity with early-stage business development and discovery processes.
• Experience with experimental AI/ML frameworks applied to remote sensing datasets.
• Familiarity with space systems development, especially satellite remote sensing. 
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one for national security mission support.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $123,000 - $176,000 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.