Senior Remote Sensing Data Scientist, Cal/Val
About this role
Muon Space is developing a family of infrared imaging missions focused on global wildfire detection, weather and cloud characterization, and space-based environmental monitoring. The IR Data Products team is responsible for creating the analytics system that processes data from the spacecraft's multispectral imaging instruments into usable data products for various end-users. This role is focused on developing the on-orbit data calibration system, which is critical for ensuring the quality of the infrared data produced by the Muon missions. The successful candidate will translate complex calibration algorithms into robust production software systems, ensuring that the calibration and image processing pipelines are reliable and observable from start to finish.
This position involves building and operating the calibration software stack for the FireSat constellation and developing the production infrastructure for the next-generation SBEM instruments. Over time, the role will expand to include pre-launch calibration work and on-orbit operation for the SBEM program. It requires a blend of data science expertise and strong software engineering skills, focusing on hardening algorithms and establishing comprehensive monitoring and testing strategies. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bridging the gap between scientific algorithms and production-grade engineering solutions.
An effective candidate will possess the ability to manage complex data flows, implement rigorous testing protocols, and collaborate effectively across engineering and scientific teams to maintain the scientific quality and radiometric integrity of the infrared data products.
What you will do
- Design, build, and operate production-grade calibration and image-processing pipelines for multispectral infrared imagery from both the FireSat and SBEM missions.
- Translate calibration algorithms, such as dark/offset correction and radiometric gain, into hardened production code.
- Own the testing strategy across unit, integration, and regression suites using representative lab and on-orbit datasets.
- Analyze calibration data to derive, validate, and trend calibration coefficients, while building monitoring and alerting tools.
- Contribute to CI/CD, containerization, and observability tooling to ensure calibration services remain reliable in production.
- Partner with other teams to execute pre-launch and on-orbit calibration campaigns for new instruments.
What you need
- Candidates should possess a PhD with at least three years of experience, or an MS with six years, or a BS with eight years of industry experience.
- A minimum of four years of experience calibrating imaging instruments is required for this role.
- Hands-on experience working with complex data from new imaging instruments is necessary.
- Demonstrated experience moving scientific or numerical algorithms, such as calibration or image-processing algorithms, from prototypes to hardened, maintainable production code is essential.
- Proven track record in shipping and operating production data or analytics pipelines, including implementing monitoring, logging, and automated testing.
- Experience in a remote sensing, calibration, or measurement-instrument context is highly desirable.
Nice to have
- Measurement techniques knowledge
- Geospatial data engineering experience
- Software engineering skills
Benefits
- $192,000 - $213,000.00 salary
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote policy for this role?
This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in the Denver, CO office three days per week.
What is the expected salary range?
The salary for this role is listed between $192,000 and $213,000.00.
What is the primary tech stack involved?
The role involves contributing to CI/CD, containerization, and observability tooling to keep calibration services reliable in production.
What is the team structure like?
The role requires working cross-functionally with calibration scientists, IR instrument engineers, and product teams.