Controls Software Architect, Steward Observatory

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites applications for the role of Controls Software Architect. This position will provide senior engineering data products, including systems architecture, controls analysis, simulation, modeling, and requirements management, for Space Telescope Programs. The successful candidate will be a self-directed individual capable of developing simulations and software to meet the needs of space development for various spacecraft and bus packages, and assessing impacts on instrumentation to ensure data integrity. Steward Observatory, founded in 1918, is a research unit at the University of Arizona with a rich history in exploring the universe. It fosters a collaborative environment with over 180 professionals dedicated to advancing ground- and space-based astronomy through world-class research, education, and outreach.

Requirements

Master's degree in Science, or Engineering
10 years of control software experience in parametric simulation of controls systems and/or performance assessment of complex space/defense systems

Responsibilities

Lead the architecture, design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of advanced software models, simulations, and control system frameworks supporting space telescope pointing, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems.
Develop high-fidelity system and subsystem models using first-principles analysis, physics-based methods, and empirical data to evaluate system behavior, predict performance, and support mission-critical engineering decisions.
Lead development of integrated control loop simulators and digital engineering environments to assess spacecraft performance, including jitter, line-of-sight stability, structural dynamics, image quality, and other mission-level performance metrics.
Define model assumptions, verification and validation strategies, data quality requirements, and model maturation plans throughout the system life cycle.
Present complex modeling approaches, simulation results, technical recommendations, and performance assessments to program leadership, customers, sponsors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Provide technical leadership in software-enabled systems architecture development and performance analysis for advanced spaceflight systems.
Lead the development, decomposition, and verification of system requirements related to spacecraft control systems, image quality, stability, and mission performance.
Develop software tools and analytical methods to evaluate architectural trade studies, system interfaces, and performance allocations while ensuring traceability between requirements, models, and verification activities.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate software models with mechanical, electrical, optical, and systems engineering analyses, influencing design decisions across multiple programs.
Serve as a senior technical leader within the Space Telescope Program (STP) Functional Team by establishing software engineering best practices, modeling standards, simulation methodologies, and peer review processes across multiple projects.
Lead technical reviews of architecture, software, controls, and simulation products to ensure engineering rigor, quality, and consistency.
Mentor engineers and researchers in advanced modeling techniques, software development practices, and systems engineering methodologies.
Contribute to organizational design guides, engineering standards, reusable software frameworks, and lessons learned that advance institutional capabilities and support long-term strategic objectives.
Represent the organization as a recognized subject matter expert in software-enabled modeling, simulation, and control systems for complex aerospace and scientific instrumentation programs.