Controls Software Engineer, Pointing & Tracking

The role

You will own the software control loop that keeps a laser precisely pointed between moving platforms. You will translate control theory into real-time embedded software in Rust using closed-loop feedback from onboard sensors.

What you will do

• Own the pointing and tracking control loop from design through on-orbit operations
• Design, implement, and tune closed-loop controllers
• Translate control theory 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
• Develop automated test frameworks to validate control performance
• Collaborate with GNC, optics, avionics, and firmware teams
• Investigate on-orbit and test anomalies and perform root cause analysis
• Develop fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies

Required qualifications

• 3+ years of 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++)
• Willingness to work in Rust
• Experience implementing control algorithms in a real-time or embedded context
• Experience integrating software with sensors and actuators

Nice to have

• 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
• 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

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• 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
• Fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Before you apply

• 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. Depar

About the company

Cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. The company is building modular, scalable satellites to enable energy and data distribution from space.