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 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.
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, 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.
Minimum Qualifications - Master's 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
Preferred QualificationsFLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $139,102 - $180,833
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 14
Compensation Guidance The
Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The
Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level PC5
Job Family Research Engineering
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 8/10/2026
Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Catherine Merrill
Director, Space Telescope Programs
[email protected] Open Date 7/29/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume
Special Instructions to Applicant 
