Principal Controls Engineering Architect – Spacecraft & Payload Systems

Pulsespace; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Pulsespace is seeking a Principal Controls Engineering Architect to lead the design and architecture of spacecraft and payload control systems for the next-generation satellite platforms.

You will define end-to-end control architectures, coordinating across GNC, FPGA/compute, opto-mechanics, and vendors; driving simulations, verification, and mission-focused solutions to ensure high accuracy and low jitter in demanding space environments.

Qualifications

• MS degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 10+ years in spacecraft or high-precision payload control design.
• Demonstrated expertise in GNC, sensor integration, and stability.
• Experience collaborating with FPGA/compute teams and system verification.

Responsibilities

• Define architectures for spacecraft and payload control, including pointing and LOS jitter suppression.
• Specify sensor placement for star trackers, IMUs, accelerometers and gyroscopes.
• Collaborate with FPGA/compute teams to define real-time processing needs.
• Coordinate with optomechanical teams for pointing requirements.
• Engage vendors to define sensor and beam steering specifications.
• Run open- and closed-loop simulations for jitter control and stability.
• Work with verification engineers to test and validate performance.
• Lead trade studies and system-level optimization of control strategies.
• Mentor and grow a team of control engineers.

Skills

GNC

Closed-loop control

Sensor integration

System simulations

Requirements definition

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Leadership/mentorship

Hardware-in-the-loop testing

Education

MS degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Model-based design

Job description

Principal Controls Engineering Architect – Spacecraft & Payload Systems

Position Summary

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Controls Engineering Architect to lead the design and architecture of spacecraft and payload control systems for next-generation satellite platforms. The ideal candidate will define end-to-end control system architectures, including guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), sensor integration, beam steering, and closed-loop pointing systems, ensuring high-accuracy, low-jitter performance. This role requires working across multiple teams—GNC, FPGA/compute, opto-mechanics, and vendors—to define requirements, implement system simulations, and verify performance.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, flexible environment with highly talented engineers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of space systems. Our mission is to enable human space exploration and extend humanity's reach beyond Earth, while improving life on our planet through advanced aerospace technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Define spacecraft and payload control system architectures, including coarse and fine pointing, closed-loop control, and LOS jitter suppression.
• Define sensor architecture and placement, including star trackers, IMUs, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, ensuring optimal system performance.
• Work with the FPGA/compute team to define processing and computational requirements for real-time closed-loop control systems.
• Collaborate with the optomechanical team to define coarse and fine pointing requirements for optical payloads.
• Engage with vendors to define requirements and specifications for sensors, beam steering devices, and other critical control hardware.
• Perform open-loop and closed-loop system simulations for line-of-sight jitter control and overall spacecraft stability.
• Work with design verification engineers to implement, test, and verify system performance against requirements.
• Lead trade studies, system-level analysis, and iterative optimization of control strategies.
• Mentor and grow a team of control systems engineers, fostering innovation, technical excellence, and mission-focused solutions.

Basic Qualifications

• MS degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in spacecraft or high-precision payload control system design.
• Demonstrated expertise in GNC, closed-loop control, sensor integration, and spacecraft/payload stability.
• Experience collaborating with FPGA/compute teams and defining real-time control system requirements.
• Proficiency with control system simulation tools and analysis of open- and closed-loop systems.
• Strong experience in requirements definition, system verification, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience in spacecraft and payload control systems architecture.
• Experience with line-of-sight jitter suppression, beam steering devices, and optical payload control.
• Familiarity with high-accuracy star trackers, IMUs, gyros, and accelerometers in spaceflight applications.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex control system development.
• Proven track record in simulation-based system verification and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Systems-level thinking and architecture-level control system design.
• Deep understanding of spacecraft dynamics, sensors, and closed-loop control strategies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentorship skills.
• Passion for space exploration and advancing technologies that improve life on Earth.

Join us to define the next generation of spacecraft and payload control systems, lead a team of top engineers, and contribute to humanity's mission to explore beyond our planet while delivering high-performance, innovative solutions.