PERFORMANCE ANALYST ENGINEER

IGNITE; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

IGNITE in Huntsville, AL seeks an experienced Performance Analyst Engineer to analyze Ground-based Missile Defense systems and support MDA programs. You will develop analytical tools in MATLAB and Python, perform Monte Carlo simulations, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for engineers and government leadership.

The role requires a Master’s in STEM and 12+ years of relevant experience, strong statistical skills, and an active SECRET security clearance.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in STEM with 12+ years relevant experience.
• Experience supporting MDA GMD Programs.
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB, including model development, data analysis, and visualization.
• Proficiency with Python, including NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
• Experience evaluating missile defense engagement performance, interceptor effectiveness, mission performance, or system operational capability.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, numerical methods, optimization techniques, and simulation-based performance assessment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical analyses to government customers and senior leadership.
• Active security clearance (SECRET or above) is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform performance analyses of Ground-based Missile Defense (GMD) system capabilities using modeling and simulation tools.
• Develop and execute analytical methodologies to evaluate system effectiveness, interceptor performance, engagement outcomes, and mission success.
• Design, develop, and maintain analytical tools using MATLAB and Python.
• Conduct statistical analyses, sensitivity studies, Monte Carlo simulations, and trade-space assessments to support engineering and program decisions.
• Analyze large datasets generated from missile defense simulations to identify trends, assess system performance, and recommend improvements.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations that clearly communicate analytical results to government and contractor leadership.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, modeling and simulation teams, software developers, and subject matter experts to define analysis approaches and performance metrics.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer briefings.
• Maintain analytical documentation and ensure consistency of modeling assumptions and methodologies.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Statistical analysis

Communication skills

Security clearance

Education

Master’s Degree in STEM

Tools

NumPy

SciPy

Pandas

Matplotlib

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 looking for an experienced, team-oriented Performance Analyst Engineer to join our Huntsville, AL team. In this role you will support the analysis and assessment of Ground-based Missile Defense (GMD) systems in support of Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The successful candidate will perform mission and system performance analyses to evaluate weapon system effectiveness, engagement performance, and operational capability across a range of threat scenarios. This role requires expertise in MATLAB and Python and the ability to develop analytical tools, interpret complex simulation results, and communicate technical findings to engineering team, program leadership, and government stakeholders.

Job Requirements

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Perform performance analyses of Ground-based Missile Defense (GMD) system capabilities using modeling and simulation tools.
• Develop and execute analytical methodologies to evaluate system effectiveness, interceptor performance, engagement outcomes, and mission success.
• Design, develop, and maintain analytical tools using MATLAB and Python.
• Conduct statistical analyses, sensitivity studies, Monte Carlo simulations, and trade-space assessments to support engineering and program decisions.
• Analyze large datasets generated from missile defense simulations to identify trends, assess system performance, and recommend improvements.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations that clearly communicate analytical results to government and contractor leadership.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, modeling and simulation teams, software developers, and subject matter experts to define analysis approaches and performance metrics.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer briefings.
• Maintain analytical documentation and ensure consistency of modeling assumptions and methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in STEM with + 12 years relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting MDA GMD Programs.
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB, including model development, data analysis, and visualization.
• Proficiency with Python, including scientific computing libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
• Experience evaluating missile defense (MD) engagement performance, interceptor effectiveness, mission performance, or system operational capability.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, numerical methods, optimization techniques, and simulation-based performance assessment.Experience interpreting simulation outputs and translating analytical findings into actionable engineering recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical analyses to government customers and senior leadership.
• Active security clearance (SECRET or above) is required.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting MDA Element or System-level performance assessments.
• Knowledge of MD architectures, kill chain analysis, threat modeling, and engagement planning.
• Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and digital engineering environments.
• Experience integrating AI/MIL into analytical processes.

Security Clearance Requirements

Must have an active Secret Security Clearance

Education Requirements

• Master’s Degree

Other Requirements

Must be a US citizen and be able to hold an active Security Clearance at the Secret Level.