Applied Science Intern (Summer 2027)

About the role

Summer internships will range between the months of May and September depending on university schedules. Internship is full-time and on-site in Northern Virginia / DC.

The Mission Innovation team at Muon investigates applications of Muon systems, technologies, and data to new applications and use cases to unlock new capabilities and missions. The team engages with internal and external stakeholders, develops first principles models and analysis, and identifies opportunities within the remote sensing space to expand the footprint of Muon systems and uncover unique capabilities to meet customer needs. Come work with the team and help design the future of our missions!

Muon is a small and fast growing startup which offers interns the experience to get direct mentorship and have real impact on our programs. As an intern, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team in a startup environment and have the chance to learn from some of the most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the industry. We're committed to offering an experience where your decisions and contributions play a pivotal role in driving Muon's success.

Responsibilities

• Conduct first-principles scientific and technical analysis to formulate hypotheses for remote sensing data applications and use cases.
• Analyze and interpret remote sensing and geospatial datasets to identify potential applications and validate mission concepts.
• Contribute to customer discovery and engagement efforts, including preparing technical materials and participating in stakeholder needs discussions.
• Develop models, simulations, and trade studies to support early-stage mission feasibility assessments and architecture decisions.
• Collaborate across a small, agile team to investigate new applications of existing Muon Space systems and capabilities.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD in Earth Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, or a related technical or scientific field.
• Strong foundation in scientific and engineering first principles and problem solving, with the ability to reason through novel, ambiguous problems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a programming or scripting language for data and image analysis and modeling (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia).
• Curiosity-driven and creative mindset with a willingness to explore unconventional ideas and challenge assumptions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, small-team environment.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with remote sensing data, Earth observation, or geospatial analysis (e.g., satellite imagery, climate data, GIS tools) and GEOINT principles.
• Experience with image processing fundamentals and tools.
• Background or coursework in Earth science, atmospheric science, environmental monitoring, or related domains.
• Experience engaging with customers, stakeholders, or cross-functional collaborators in a technical setting.

Pay range

Masters = $45/hour, PhD = $50/hour

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.

Muon is currently registered and able to hire in the following states:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA

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.