Instrument Integration Lab Specialist II

Muon Space•San Jose, CA

1d•$147,000 - $172,000•Onsite

About The Position

Muon Space seeks an Instrument Integration Lab Specialist II to support production of infrared remote sensing instruments at its San Jose and Mountain View, California locations. The specialist will take primary ownership of facility readiness and daily operations for the San Jose optical instrument cleanroom and provide supporting coverage for Mountain View. The role bridges development activities and operational execution, including cleanroom management, workflow optimization, equipment lifecycle management, and hands-on flight hardware integration and testing. The position supports facility readiness, equipment and asset management, and instrument-level testing as production scales. It works in collaboration with the Lab Manager, equipment vendors, and cross-functional internal teams. The role requires routine lifting and moving of materials, equipment, or supplies weighing 25 to 50 pounds. A willingness to obtain a U.S. security clearance is strongly preferred. The position requires access to export-controlled information; applicants must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements. The stated salary range is $147,000–$172,000, plus an equity grant and benefits. Final compensation depends on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. Full-time employees receive equity compensation, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, short- and long-term disability and life insurance, three weeks of paid vacation for new employees, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, and paid parental leave.

Requirements

B.S. and at least 5 years of hands-on experience in a multidisciplinary aerospace hardware environment, with direct exposure to imaging systems.
Deep familiarity with cleanroom operations at ISO 7 / Class 10K or better, including particle-count monitoring and contamination-control protocols.
Strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to manage inventory, equipment calibration schedules, and facility status simultaneously.
Ability to translate technical floor issues into clear feedback for design engineers and program managers.
Ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week.
Ability to routinely lift and move materials, equipment, or supplies weighing 25 to 50 pounds.
Meet the stated export-control eligibility requirements for access to export-controlled information.

Nice To Haves

Willingness to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
Previous experience setting up a new lab or manufacturing line from scratch.
Basic software or scripting skills for data analysis or equipment automation, such as Python or C/C++.
Proficiency in CAD; SolidWorks is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary lead for the San Jose instrument cleanroom in collaboration with the Lab Manager.
Assess facility layouts and manage electrical and network infrastructure, CDA/GN2 utilities, storage, and equipment needs, driving installation through final commissioning.
Maintain cleanroom standards across the San Jose and Mountain View facilities.
Implement 5S methodologies, access and training protocols, ESD and contamination controls, safety standards, and daily equipment-readiness checks.
Receive, inspect, assemble, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain shared optical test equipment.
Liaise directly with equipment vendors and cross-functional internal teams.
Expand the existing asset register into a centralized database tracking equipment status, ownership, calibration schedules, maintenance, and utilization metrics.
Identify opportunities to streamline the instrument integration flow.
Recommend and implement upgrades to tooling, fixtures, and workflows to increase throughput, quality, and efficiency as production scales.
Provide hands-on support for instrument-level environmental testing, including vibration and thermal-vacuum (TVAC), as well as system-performance and calibration testing.