Dept:Systems

About the role

In this role, you’ll be responsible for the business outcome of the ground and relay systems used to communicate with Muon spacecraft. You’ll be responsible for make/buy decisions between deploying our own ground segment hardware (dishes, co-hosted, modems, etc.) and working with ground-stations-as-a-service providers (AWS Ground Station, KSAT, Azure, Leaf, Kepler, Iridium, Globalstar, etc.). You’ll split your time between working with our software teams to ensure connectivity, conducting lab-based preflight communications checks with RF engineers, traveling to ground stations around the world to ensure we’re ready to go, negotiating contracts with providers for both comms and tracking, coordinating with CSpOC (Combined Space Operations Command), and anxiously staring at SNR measurements after launch while we await our first contact with the spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining reliable ground communications with Muon satellites through ground and relay communications systems

• Working with satellite engineers to conduct trade studies on flight modem / RF hardware to maximize connectivity with ground stations

• Working with the mission formulation team to identify how to meet customer data latency and volume needs using a variety of systems (RF/Optical ground stations, sat-to-sat commercial relay service providers, TDRSS or other gov’t systems, satellite cross-links between Muon satellites, etc.)

• Economically scaling the communications systems from a few development satellites to production constellations for customers

• Ensuring that our cloud strategy is well matched to our ground segment strategy

• Work to achieve the CONOPS of having our satellites on ‘the internet in space’

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline. Or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years designing and/or implementing communications systems for autonomous systems in harsh environments

• Some programming experience to mock up interfaces to providers and hardware as needed

• Track record of delivering products in the field

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Have design and built ground station hardware (dishes, modems, pointing systems)

• Have utilized a ground-station-as-a-service provider such as AWS Ground Station, KSAT or similar

• Experience with low latency global communications systems, such as drone or similar military systems

• Excellent economic modeling skills to trade systems in terms of both technical capability and value.

• Can operate a spectrum analyzer

• Experience with Python or other scripting languages to build quick prototypes

• Understanding of TCP/IP networking protocols and cloud based solutions (Google Cloud, AWS, Azure)

• Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment

• Experience with project management

• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, rewarding work environment

• ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

About Muon Space

Muon Space is working at the forefront of satellites, advanced sensors, business intelligence, and climate science to allow humanity to close the loop on climate change. From satellite missions to modeling to data analytics and actionable insights, we believe measuring, understanding and predicting Earth’s complex, coupled systems is both a great business opportunity and key to leaving future generations a livable, productive and healthy planet.

Equal Opportunity

At Muon, 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. If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know. If you feel like you’re a good fit for this role but don’t check all of the boxes, we encourage you to apply anyway.

At Muon Space salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, Muon Space provides equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, life insurance, and an employee development program.

The salary range for this role is $95K and $190K and will depend on a candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience as determined during the interview process.