The RoleAs a Controls Software Engineer on the Pointing & Tracking team, you will own the software control loop that keeps a laser precisely pointed between two moving platforms, both satellite-to-ground and satellite-to-satellite. You will use closed-loop feedback from onboard sensors to drive fine-pointing actuators in an embedded real-time environment. This is control-systems software, not general application development: the core of the job is translating control theory into a robust, working real-time implementation and taking dedicated ownership of a system that is central to our mission.
Responsibilities- Own the pointing and tracking control loop from design through on-orbit operations
- Design, implement, and tune closed-loop controllers that keep optical links precisely pointed between moving platforms
- Translate control theory (e.g., state estimation, PID, state-space, optimal control methods) into real-time embedded software in Rust
- Perform stability analysis, closed-loop tuning, and performance characterization of control algorithms
- Build simulation and analysis tools to model, validate, and iterate on control system behavior
- Support hardware integration and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of the full sensing-to-actuation chain
- Develop automated test frameworks to validate control performance across operating conditions
- Collaborate with GNC, optics, avionics, and firmware teams to define interfaces and system-level pointing architecture
- Investigate on-orbit and test anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and drive fixes across software and hardware boundaries
- Develop fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies
Basic Qualifications- 3+ years of experience (or equivalent practical experience) in control systems, GNC, robotics, or embedded software development
- Hands-on experience designing, implementing, and tuning closed-loop control systems
- Strong understanding of control theory fundamentals
- Strong programming skills in a systems language (e.g., Rust, C, or C++) with willingness to work in Rust
- Experience implementing control algorithms in a real-time or embedded context
- Experience integrating software with sensors and actuators, including debugging across the hardware/software boundary
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelor's or advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field
- Experience with precision pointing, tracking, stabilization, or gimbal control systems (e.g., optical terminals, telescopes, seekers, camera stabilization, or similar)
- Experience with spacecraft GNC, attitude control, or other high-reliability control applications in aerospace, defense, or robotics
- Professional experience writing Rust
- Experience with control system modeling, simulation, and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python-based tooling)
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and system validation
- Familiarity with estimation and sensor fusion techniques (e.g., Kalman filters)
- Understanding of fault-tolerant design and high-reliability system architecture
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with rapid iteration cycles
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $170,000 - $192,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid time off
10 paid holidays per calendar year
Paid parental leave
Relocation assistance if applicable
Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
ITAR RequirementsExport Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
