STAFF THERMAL ENGINEER

IGNITE; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IGNITE is seeking a driven and detail-oriented Staff Thermal Engineer to support high-fidelity thermal analyses for the NGI Program in Huntsville, AL. The role involves performing rigid body and multi-body dynamics analyses and ensuring integrated system performance through collaboration with various engineering disciplines.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and over 7 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical, mathematical skills, and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in thermal/thermofluids analysis.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal analyses of missile components and systems.
• Develop multi-body dynamics models using simulation tools.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure system performance.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Thermophysics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Aerospace engineering

MATLAB

Python

Analytical modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX/Simcenter

Thermal Desktop

SINDA

ANSYS

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 Staff Thermal engineer to join our team supporting the NGI Program in Huntsville, AL. As a member of the thermal engineering team, you will support high‑fidelity thermal analyses across missile components, subsystems, and fully integrated systems — including ground support equipment — throughout the entire lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Perform rigid body and multi‑body kinematics and dynamics analyses supporting the design, development, integration, and verification of Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) systems and subsystems.
• Develop, maintain, and execute high‑fidelity multi‑body dynamics models using MSC ADAMS or equivalent simulation tools to evaluate system performance throughout the mission lifecycle.
• Analyze vehicle, stage, payload, and deployment dynamics to assess loads, clearances, separation events, deployment mechanisms, and overall system behavior.
• Support trade studies, design reviews, and technical assessments by providing quantitative analysis of flight dynamics performance and associated risks.
• Correlate analytical models with component‑, subsystem‑, and system‑level test data to improve model accuracy and support verification and validation activities.
• Collaborate closely with guidance, navigation and control (GNC), structures, mechanisms, aerodynamics, systems engineering, and test organizations to ensure integrated system performance.
• Develop custom analysis tools, automation scripts, and post‑processing routines using MATLAB, Python, or equivalent programming languages to improve efficiency and analytical capability.
• Support anomaly investigations, root‑cause analyses, and corrective action development related to kinematics and dynamics performance.
• Prepare and present technical reports, briefings, and analysis results to internal leadership, customers, and program stakeholders.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings, peer reviews, and design reviews to ensure compliance with program requirements and engineering best practices.
• Ensure analyses are performed in accordance with established processes, quality standards, and program requirements while maintaining configuration control of analytical models and data products.
• Support proposal development, technology maturation efforts, and future flight sciences initiatives as required.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 7+ years of experience in thermal/thermofluids analysis (thermophysics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, etc.)
• Experience using industry‑standard thermal analysis tools such as NX/Simcenter, Thermal Desktop, SINDA, ANSYS
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills grounded in mechanical engineering fundamentals
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, thus US Citizenship is required

Security Clearance Requirements

ACTIVE SECRET

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM Discipline