OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST-SME

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 Operations Research Analyst – Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our team supporting Aviation and Missile Center UAS / C-UAS Proof of Concept (PoC) trial, in Huntsville, Alabama. This position is expected to be onsite with government clients. Some travel is required.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead analytical assessments of UAS and C-UAS operational concepts.

• Evaluate mission effectiveness across multiple operational scenarios.

• Assess operational suitability, survivability, and mission utility of prototype capabilities.

• Develop Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs), Measures of Performance (MOPs), and Key Performance Parameters (KPPs).

• Identify operational strengths, limitations, and improvement opportunities.

• Perform mission-level simulations of UAS and C-UAS employment.

• Analyze engagement timelines, sensor coverage, interceptor effectiveness, and mission success probabilities.

• Evaluate alternative concepts of employment (CONOPS).

• Analyze data collected during laboratory testing, field demonstrations, and operational exercises.

• Develop statistical analyses supporting system performance assessments.

• Assist in designing operational experiments and demonstration events.

• Develop analytical objectives for Proof of Concept activities.

• Define test metrics and evaluation methodologies.

• Support operational assessments during field demonstrations.

• Evaluate technology alternatives and investment options.

• Assess effectiveness of UAS and C-UAS capabilities across missions

• Support senior decision-makers with objective, data-driven recommendations.

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or related analytical discipline.

• 10+ years of experience applying operations research techniques to Department of Defense programs.

• Experience supporting operational analysis, experimentation, or test and evaluation activities.

• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative analysis and decision support.

• Experience supporting defense acquisition or capability development programs.

• Strong analytical, statistical, and modeling skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Systems

• Experience supporting UAS, Counter-UAS, Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), or autonomous systems.

• Knowledge of military operational planning and doctrine.

• Experience supporting rapid prototyping, experimentation, or Other Transaction Authority (OTA) projects.

• Familiarity with Digital Engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

• Experience supporting AI-enabled decision support systems.

Security Clearance Requirements:

Must have an active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain one.

• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or related analytical discipline.

Other Requirements:

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