Controls Software Architect, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona Department of Physics; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 139,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

University of Arizona Space Telescope Program is seeking a Controls Software Architect to lead modeling, simulation, and performance analysis for space telescope pointing, guidance, navigation, and control systems.

The role requires a Master's degree and 10 years in control software with experience in complex space/defense systems. Location is Tucson, AZ; full-time, salary-based position with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Science, or Engineering is required.
• At least 10 years of control software experience in parametric simulation of control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, development, validation, and improvement of software models and control system frameworks for space telescope pointing and GNC.
• Develop high-fidelity models using first-principles, physics-based methods, and data to assess performance and support engineering decisions.
• Lead integrated control loop simulators and digital environments to assess spacecraft performance and metrics such as jitter and image quality.
• Define verification, validation, and data quality requirements across the system life cycle.
• Present modeling approaches and performance assessments to program leadership and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Control software

Parametric simulation

System modeling

Performance analysis

Education

Master's degree in Science or Engineering

Job description

Tucson, AZ, United States

Controls Software Architect, Steward Observatory

Location: Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA

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!

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Duties & Responsibilities

Lead System Modeling, Simulation, & Performance Analysis

• 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.

Lead System Architecture & Requirements Engineering

• 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.

Technical Leadership, Functional Excellence, & Engineering Standards

• 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.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

FLSA Exempt

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $139,102 - $180,833

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade: 14

Career Stream and Level: PC5

Job Family: Research Engineering

Job Function: Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Target Hire Date: 8/10/2026

Open Date: 7/29/2026

Documents Needed: Resume

Contact Information for Candidates: Catherine Merrill, Director, Space Telescope Programs, [e-mail]

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