Principal Spacecraft Controls Architect – GNC & Payload

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

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.