Controls Software Architect, Steward Observatory

Controls Software Architect, Steward Observatory Posting Number req26647 Department Steward Observatory Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights The University of Arizona's 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 University’s 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!

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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, reusabl