Freelance Structural Dynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Senior Loads and Dynamics Engineer to join our team supporting the NGI Program in Huntsville, AL.

As a Staff Loads & Dynamics Engineer supporting the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program, you will play a critical role in ensuring spacecraft and flight hardware can withstand the extreme environments of launch and spaceflight.Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Perform structural dynamics analysis for spacecraft flight hardware operating in demanding launch and space environments Develop and maintain analytical models using in-house and commercial software to simulate vibration, shock, and mechanical loading conditions Conduct loads development at the component, subsystem, and system level Evaluate dynamic environments including shock, vibration, and mechanism motion Support component and system-level testing, including vibration, modal, static, separation dynamics, and shock tests Analyze test data and document results in clear technical reports and presentations Define and integrate structural and dynamic requirements into the system baseline Present technical findings at design reviews, technical interchange meetings, engineering review boards, and test readiness reviews Job Requirements and Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering or similar technical field 3+ years of relevant work experience performing structural dynamics analyses and loads/environments development for spacecraft, aircraft, or missiles Expertise in vibroacoustic and shock analyses on spacecraft/launch vehicles Experience in finite element modeling and analysis using NX Simcenter, NASTRAN, LS-Dyna, Wave6, or equivalent Experience in programming and use of MATLAB (or equivalent) for analysis and data manipulation Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, US citizenship is required Desired Skills: Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering with 10 years of structural dynamics and loads/environments development experience Experience in the planning and execution of static, vibration, acoustic, modal, and shock testing for aerospace flight hardware Proficiency with structural dynamics rigid body and flexible body analyses of composite structures, metallic structures, and mechanisms Proficiency in Finite Element Modeling, modal analysis, Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA), and model correlation/verification Experience leading structural dynamics analyses while collaborating effectively with adjacent disciplines in a highly integrated team environment Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal, self-motivated, and able and willing to support multiple projects Security Clearance Requirements: ACTIVE SECRET Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM DisciplineResponsibilities include, but are not limited to: Perform structural dynamics analysis for spacecraft flight hardware operating in demanding launch and space environments Develop and maintain analytical models using in-house and commercial software to simulate vibration, shock, and mechanical loading conditions Conduct loads development at the component, subsystem, and system level Evaluate dynamic environments including shock, vibration, and mechanism motion Support component and system-level testing, including vibration, modal, static, separation dynamics, and shock tests Analyze test data and document results in clear technical reports and presentations Define and integrate structural and dynamic requirements into the system baseline Present technical findings at design reviews, technical interchange meetings, engineering review boards, and test readiness reviews Job Requirements and Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering or similar technical field 3+ years of relevant work experience performing structural dynamics analyses and loads/environments development for spacecraft, aircraft, or missiles Expertise in vibroacoustic and shock analyses on spacecraft/launch vehicles Experience in finite element modeling and analysis using NX Simcenter, NASTRAN, LS-Dyna, Wave6, or equivalent Experience in programming and use of MATLAB (or equivalent) for analysis and data manipulation Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, US citizenship is required Desired Skills: Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering with 10 years of structural dynamics and loads/environments development experience Experience in the planning and execution of static, vibration, acoustic, modal, and shock testing for aerospace flight hardware Proficiency with structural dynamics rigid body and flexible body analyses of composite structures, metallic structures, and mechanisms Proficiency in Finite Element Modeling, modal analysis, Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA), and model correlation/verification Experience leading structural dynamics analyses while collaborating effectively with adjacent disciplines in a highly integrated team environment Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal, self-motivated, and able and willing to support multiple projects Security Clearance Requirements: ACTIVE SECRET Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM Discipline