About Us

Danielle Stepien serves as the CEO and President of Igniter Engineering and has served in the same two roles since Igniter’s inception in 2021.

Danielle is a proven technical executive in the Aerospace, Defense, and Technology industries. She has extensive C-suite, enterprise-level experience in rocket engine and defense manufacturing, automation, software development, supply chain, and program management.

Her career has spanned across industries, having worked for Big Tech firms like Meta and Google, Aerospace firms like SpaceX, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and Stratolaunch, and Department of Defense (DoD) clients such as the Air Force, US Navy, and Space Force.

Danielle applies the servant leadership methodology to every project and team she leads. Danielle is also an avid believer in effective altruism and leads multiple charitable organizations.

Danielle has a rat terrier mix named Maca and lives in Redmond, Washington full-time. In her free time, Danielle enjoys mountain biking, sailing, and tasting the wines of Washington state.

Dr. Dimitri Mavris serves as a specialty advisor to Igniter Engineering.

Dr. Mavris is the Director of the Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory (ASDL) at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Mavris’ primary areas of research interest include advanced design methods, aircraft conceptual and preliminary design, air-breathing propulsion design, multi-disciplinary analysis, design and optimization, system of systems, and non-deterministic design theory.

Since its foundation, Professor Mavris has grown ASDL to be a leader in the area of systems design, architecting, and optimization. Under his leadership, it has developed into the largest lab of its kind and has established a global reputation for excellence for both its rigorous educational program and impactful research activities.

Jake Lately serves as the Generative AI Expert in Residence at Igniter Engineering.

Jake is a proven technical expert in the Generative AI and Technology industries. He has years of experience as a Generative AI expert at Meta, formerly Facebook.

Jake has a beautiful wife, Krichelle and baby girl, Emma. In his free time, Jake enjoys making music and being with his family.

Katrina Pietruszynski, a skilled project manager, operational specialist, and data expert, boasts more than 13+ years of experience in administrative positions spanning various industries.

She has excelled in leading teams, optimizing processes, and analyzing data to drive business growth and success. Her strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt to new challenges have been instrumental in her tenured career. Katrina's passion for continuous improvement and dedication to achieving results makes her an exceptional asset to any organization. Through her leadership and expertise, she has consistently delivered high-quality projects and exceeded expectations. Katrina's commitment to excellence and drive for innovation sets her apart, earning her a reputation as a reliable and accomplished professional.

Katrina often spends weekends exploring the great outdoors and soaking in the world's beauty. Katrina also has a passion for cooking and loves experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen.

Milos Pajic is a driven and accomplished designer with a passion for technology and innovation. Milos is a founder and co-founder of two media companies and brought his talents to Igniter Engineering in 2021. Throughout his career, Milos has demonstrated a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. This continuous learning mindset has enabled him to tackle complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions, earning him recognition and respect among his peers.

In addition to his technical prowess, Milos is known for his collaborative spirit and leadership qualities. He thrives in dynamic environments where teamwork and innovation are valued, leveraging his communication skills to foster positive relationships and drive results.

In his free time, Milos explores his interests in philosophy, psychology and physics by reading, hiking, and cycling.