Real-Time Space Controls Engineer (Rust/Embedded)

Telemetry Today LLC; San Carlos, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Relocation Assistance

Office Lunch

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corporation is seeking a Controls Software Engineer to own the pointing and tracking loop in an embedded real-time environment. You will translate control theory into robust software, drive interfaces with GNC, optics, and firmware teams, and own system-level performance from design to on-orbit operations.

The role emphasizes control algorithms, HIL testing, and rapid iteration in a high-ownership setting toward a space-based energy platform.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in control systems, GNC, robotics, or embedded software
• Hands-on experience designing, implementing, and tuning closed-loop control systems
• Strong understanding of control theory fundamentals
• Strong programming skills in a systems language (Rust, C, or C++) with willingness to work in Rust
• Experience implementing control algorithms in real-time/embedded contexts
• Experience integrating software with sensors and actuators across hardware/software boundaries

Responsibilities

• Own the pointing and tracking control loop from design through on-orbit operations
• Design, implement, and tune closed-loop controllers for moving platforms
• Translate control theory into real-time embedded software in Rust
• Perform stability analysis, closed-loop tuning, and performance characterization
• Build simulation and analysis tools to model and validate control behavior
• Support hardware integration and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Develop automated test frameworks for control performance
• Collaborate with GNC, optics, avionics, and firmware teams to define interfaces
• Investigate anomalies and drive fixes across software/hardware boundaries
• Develop fault detection, isolation, and recovery strategies

Skills

Control systems

GNC

Embedded software

Rust

C/C++

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace/Electrical/Mechanical/Robotics/CS

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python tooling

Job description

Cowboy Space Corporation is seeking a Controls Software Engineer to own the pointing and tracking loop in an embedded real-time environment. You will translate control theory into robust software, drive interfaces with GNC, optics, and firmware teams, and own system-level performance from design to on-orbit operations.

The role emphasizes control algorithms, HIL testing, and rapid iteration in a high-ownership setting toward a space-based energy platform.