Adaptive Optics Control Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Engineer, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 118,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory seeks an experienced Adaptive Optics Control Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Engineer to advance dynamics and control analyses for space-based instrumentation and adaptive optics systems.

You will develop high-fidelity MATLAB/Simulink models, perform time- and frequency-domain analyses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to inform design and verification for instruments like Lazuli and GMagAO-X.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent with 8+ years in dynamics modeling, simulation, and controls; OR
• Master's degree with 6+ years in simulation and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity modeling and simulation frameworks for flexible-body space instrumentation and adaptive optics systems.
• Perform time- and frequency-domain analyses to evaluate system performance for space-based instruments.
• Provide AI&T support by generating test plans and correlating test data with analytical models.
• Communicate findings and implications to cross-functional teams and sponsors.

Skills

System dynamics

Modeling and simulation

Control theory

MATLAB & Simulink

Kinematic transforms

Coordinate systems

Analytical methods

Team guidance

Python programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline

Tools

Python programming

Job description

Adaptive Optics Control Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Engineer, Steward Observatory

Position Highlights

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world‑class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground‑and space‑based astronomy.

The Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO) at Steward Observatory seeks a skilled Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Engineer to support advanced dynamics and control analysis for world‑class adaptive optics and space‑based instrumentation programs. Applying thorough knowledge of system dynamics, flexible‑body mechanics, and control theory, you will work with considerable latitude and independence to develop high‑fidelity simulation frameworks and execute complex performance analyses that directly inform design and verification decisions for instruments including the Lazuli telescope science instruments and GMagAO‑X. In this role, you will apply extensive knowledge of system dynamics and control systems and exercise expert judgment in selecting appropriate analytical approaches for problems that frequently require the development of new methods without clear precedents. This position requires a high degree of innovation and creativity and involves sharing technical knowledge and best practices with peer engineers and cross‑functional teams.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please.

Duties & Responsibilities

Advanced Dynamics Modeling and Simulation Development:

• Using advanced engineering principles and extensive knowledge of system dynamics, independently develop and execute high‑fidelity modeling and simulation frameworks for flexible‑body space instrumentation and adaptive optics systems.
• Work is performed with considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches, and includes deriving transfer functions, state‑space, and discrete‑time models from first principles, conducting kinematic transform derivations and coordinate system analyses, and implementing simulation environments in MATLAB and Simulink.
• Problems frequently require the development of novel analytical methods with a high degree of innovation and creativity; the candidate must be able to evaluate multiple approaches and exercise expert judgment in selecting the most appropriate methodology.
• May provide technical guidance and share simulation best practices with graduate students and junior engineers supporting the project.

Complex Analysis and Performance Trades:

• Applying extensive knowledge of control theory and frequency‑domain methods, independently perform time‑and frequency‑domain analyses to evaluate, predict, and optimize system performance for space‑based instruments under development. This includes conducting performance studies examining line‑of‑sight error budgets as a function of reaction wheel speed combinations, Fine Steering Mirror (FSM) controller analyses and loop closure timing studies, and hardware performance trade studies (e.g., isolator frequency impact, actuator performance, and quantization effects on motion profiles and precision).
• The candidate will determine the scope and methodology of analyses without appreciable direction and will communicate findings and their design implications to team members, key stakeholders across engineering disciplines, and project sponsors in formal reviews.

Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Support:

• Using thorough knowledge of verification and validation methods, independently provide simulation and analysis support for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) activities at both component and system levels. This includes generating test plans for characterization and verification, working with team members to execute these plans, and correlating test data with analytical models.
• The candidate will exercise expert judgment in identifying discrepancies between predicted and measured performance and in determining appropriate corrective actions, including cases that require the development of new approaches.
• Communicate AI&T findings and their system‑level implications to engineering team members and stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Extensive knowledge of system dynamics for flexible‑body motion applications, including transfer functions, state‑space, and discrete‑time system modeling.
• Advanced skill and demonstrated expertise in kinematic transforms, coordinate system analysis, and rigid‑and flexible‑body mechanics.
• Thorough knowledge of control theory, including loop closure, stability analysis, and frequency‑domain methods.
• Advanced proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink simulation environments.
• Ability to apply engineering principles independently to develop novel analytical approaches for complex problems without clear precedents.
• Ability to exercise expert judgment in selecting and adapting methodologies to meet project needs.
• Ability to provide technical guidance to graduate students and junior engineers.
• Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly to engineering team members and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a high degree of innovation and creativity.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands:

• Lift and transport equipment, tools, and materials (up to 30-50 lbs.) as required.
• Tolerate exposure to extreme heat, extreme cold, and varying weather conditions.
• May be required to work in proximity to mechanical and electrical equipment during instrument assembly, integration, testing, and verification activities.
• May occasionally work at elevated heights, on ladders or platforms, and near moving mechanical systems while supporting telescope and instrumentation operations.
• May be exposed to chemicals, compressed gases, and other materials commonly found in engineering and research laboratory settings.
• Follow established safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional‑level experience, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in dynamics modeling, simulation, and controls analysis; OR
• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline with a focus on dynamics or controls engineering, plus a minimum of 6 years of professional experience in simulation and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spacecraft simulation experience.
• Experience with Python programming.
• Experience with actuators and sensors, including voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators/sensors, accelerometers, and strain gauges.

Employment Details

Position Number: req27246. Department: Steward Observatory. Location: Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA. Schedule: Full Time, 40 hours per week, 1.0 FTE. Work Calendar: Fiscal. Job Category: Research. Job Family: Research Engineering. Job Function: Research. Compensation: $117,883 - $153,248. Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 FTE. FLSA: Exempt. Number of Vacancies: 1. Target Hire Date: . Open Date: 10/12/2026. Open Until Filled: Yes. Special Instructions to Applicant: . Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter.

Contact Information for Candidates

Manny Montoya
Technical Manager, CAAO
[e-mail]

Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].