Controls Software Architect, Steward Observatory (Updated)

Please Note: The Contact Information for Candidates has been updated for this posting.

The University of Arizonas Steward Observatory invites you to apply to the role of Controls Software Architect. The successful candidate will provide senior engineering data products in the form of systems architecture and controls analysis simulation modeling and requirements management to Space Telescope Programs. They will be a single point contributor who can independently work to develop simulations and software to meet the needs of space development for different spacecraft and bus packages and assess impacts to instrumentation to maximize data integrity.

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the Universitys 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.

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!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services please click here.

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.

• Masters 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