SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER

IGNITE; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

IGNITE is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer in Huntsville, AL, to support the Missile Defense Agency’s Program Office. The role involves critical analysis and collaboration across engineering milestones to ensure effective integration of missile defense systems.

The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of relevant experience, a Master’s Degree in a STEM field, and an active Secret clearance. This position offers the opportunity to work on a priority national defense effort.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant systems engineering or technical experience for missile defense related programs.
• Active Secret clearance required.
• Strong understanding of MDA systems engineering processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform integrated analysis and evaluation of DoG test events.
• Participate in engineering milestones and reviews.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across MDA.
• Lead or support technical interchange meetings.
• Develop executive-level briefings and correspondence.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical analysis

Cybersecurity

Stakeholder collaboration

Technical briefing development

Education

Master’s Degree in STEM

Tools

DOORS

Windchill

Qlik

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

Ignite is an ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI Services Level 3 certified, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), headquartered in Huntsville, AL. By design, Ignite is a provider of professional services to customers in educational, federal, and commercial industries and seeks to be the preeminent provider within this business space. Ignite upholds our values of competency, collaboration, innovation, reliability, and results through everything we do.

Ignite is currently seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Program Office delivering critical capabilities for the Defense of Guam (DoG). This role supports a priority national defense effort in a dynamic environment, ensuring effective integration of missile defense elements to protect a key strategic location.

Responsibilities

• Perform integrated analysis and evaluation of DoG test events including Flight Tests, Ground Tests, and System Integration Check Out (SICO) activities
• Participate in and support engineering milestones such as Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews (PDR/CDR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and technical assessments
• Collaborate with stakeholders across MDA and supporting organizations to coordinate schedules, resolve issues, and ensure technical accuracy
• Provide input on secure system design considerations, risk identification, and mitigation strategies
• Lead or support technical interchange meetings (TIMs), action tracking, and meeting coordination
• Develop executive-level briefings, technical papers, and correspondence for senior leaders, including Flag Officers and SES personnel
• Coordinate GENser and SAP-level meetings and VTCs as needed
• Represent the Government customer in IPTs, working groups, and forums
• Apply engineering tools such as DOORS, Windchill, and Qlik for analysis and coordination
• Support efforts related to system security, including compliance tracking or integration of cybersecurity inputs into engineering processes

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant systems engineering or technical experience for missile defense related programs
• Master’s Degree in STEM field
• Active Secret clearance
• Strong understanding of MDA systems engineering processes and procedures
• Demonstrate understanding of system architecture and system
• Experience with MDA system elements (e.g., Patriot, THAAD, Aegis, C2BMC)
• Familiarity with secure development practices, configuration management, and cybersecurity-informed engineering
• Knowledge of the ETM‑2 system and experience managing Congressional or routine taskers
• Ability to operate independently and communicate effectively across diverse technical teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project)
• Skilled in developing and delivering technical briefings to senior decision-makers

Desired Qualifications

• Preferred background that includes exposure to secure system development and cybersecurity-informed engineering practices
• Bachelor's degree in STEM in addition to Master's degree in STEM

Security Clearance Requirements

Must have an active Secret Security Clearance

Education

Master’s Degree