EO/IR SIGNATURE ANALYST

IGNITE; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Igniters are sought to join Ignite for an EO/IR Signature Analyst role supporting NASIC in Dayton, OH. The position emphasizes electro-optical/infrared phenomenology, OPIR data analysis, and signature modeling within a mission-focused, on-site environment.

Responsibilities include developing and validating target signatures, integrating multi-source data, and delivering finished intelligence with clear briefs to leadership. U.S. citizenship and TS/SCI clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Expertise in EO/IR target phenomenology with applications to defense intelligence.
• Experience using community standard signature modeling codes.
• Knowledge of OPIR data analysis and production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Apply EO/IR target phenomenology to characterize signatures and observables.
• Develop, run, and validate target signature predictions with standard codes.
• Analyze OPIR data and contribute to finished intelligence products.
• Assess sensor performance and collection conditions for production needs.
• Integrate signature modeling with multi-source info to answer key questions.
• Present analytical findings to analysts, leads, and leadership.

Skills

EO/IR phenomenology

OPIR data analysis

Briefing leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Description

Igniters operate in the world’s most demanding environment. Igniters are self-motivated, mission-driven, and relentless in solving the Warfighters’ hardest problems. We move fast, think differently, and execute with precision to tackle high-stakes challenges across AI/ML, space and missile defense intelligence, EMSO, advanced analytics, and programmatic domains. As an employee-owned SDVOSB headquartered in Huntsville, AL, our team delivers mission-critical impact for the Army, Air Force, Space Force, MDA, NASA, DIA, and FBI. Ignite exists to outpace the threat and deliver results that matter in the moments that count. Ignite is currently seeking a driven, detail-oriented EO/IR Signature Analyst to join our team supporting NOVASTAR at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) in Dayton, OH. This position is 100% onsite at NASIC. The analyst will apply electro-optical (EO)/infrared (IR) target phenomenology expertise and significant experience with community standard signature modeling codes, together with Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) data analysis and production experience, to support assigned intelligence production threads.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Apply EO/IR target phenomenology to characterize the signatures, behaviors, and observables of targets of interest to the assigned production thread.
• Develop, run, and validate target signature predictions using community standard signature modeling codes; document model inputs, assumptions, and results to tradecraft standards.
• Perform analysis and exploitation of OPIR data and contribute to finished intelligence production in support of the assigned production thread.
• Apply remote sensing fundamentals and detection phenomenology to assess sensor performance, observability, and collection conditions relevant to production requirements.
• Compare modeled signatures against collected data to anchor models, resolve discrepancies, and refine target characterizations.
• Integrate signature modeling and OPIR-derived analysis with multi-source information to answer key intelligence questions and support production timelines.
• Author, coordinate, and present analytical findings, assessments, and finished intelligence products to analysts, production leads, and leadership.

Job Requirements And Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in electro-optical (EO)/infrared (IR) target phenomenology.
• Significant experience with community standard signature modeling codes.
• Knowledge and experience in OPIR data analysis and production.
• Understanding of remote sensing fundamentals and detection phenomenology relevant to the production thread supported.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting NASIC, Space Force, or Intelligence Community OPIR, missile, or space-domain production missions.
• Experience with scientific and technical intelligence (S&TI) analysis of missile, space, or infrared signature data.
• Background in radiometry, optics, atmospheric propagation, or thermal modeling supporting EO/IR signature prediction.
• Proficiency with analytical tools and scripting environments (e.g., MATLAB or Python) for signature and sensor data analysis.
• Experience preparing briefs and briefing leadership.
• Prior Military Experience a plus.

Security Clearance Requirements

Must have an active TS/SCI Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, STEM, or a related discipline.

Other Requirements

Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain and hold an active Security Clearance.