Manufacturing Engineer

# Manufacturing Engineer I ## About the Role Riverbend Energetics is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer I to join our team supporting the design, development, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for energetic components, electric/stab detonators, and CAD/PAD systems. In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers and production personnel to ensure our products meet the rigorous quality and safety standards demanded by the U.S. defense industry. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer to build specialized expertise in energetic materials manufacturing within a dynamic, mission-driven organization. ## Key Responsibilities - Support the development, documentation, and optimization of manufacturing processes for energetic components and initiating devices, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, and traveler packages - Assist in the design and qualification of tooling, fixtures, and equipment used in energetic assembly operations - Participate in process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA) and other risk assessment activities to identify and mitigate manufacturing hazards - Collaborate with Quality Assurance to investigate non-conformances, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) - Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by translating engineering designs into manufacturable processes in compliance with applicable specifications and standards - Collect and analyze production data to identify trends, drive yield improvements, and reduce scrap and rework - Ensure all manufacturing activities are conducted in accordance with facility safety protocols, DoD regulations, and applicable explosive safety standards ## Required Qualifications - Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline - U.S. citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance - Demonstrated understanding of engineering fundamentals, GD&T, and technical drawing interpretation - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail - Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document processes clearly and accurately - Ability to work collaboratively across production, quality, and program management functions - Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment involving energetic and explosive materials in accordance with all required safety protocols ## Preferred Qualifications - Internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing, defense, or regulated production environment - Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, or continuous improvement tools such as 5S, Kaizen, or value stream mapping - Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent) for tooling and fixture design - Exposure to AS9100, MIL-SPEC, or other defense and aerospace quality management systems - Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis tools - Prior coursework or experience with pyrotechnics, propellants, or energetic materials ## What We Offer - Competitive salary and benefits package - Specialized training in energetic materials manufacturing and explosive safety, supporting a highly differentiated career in the defense industry - A collaborative, safety-first culture where contributions directly support critical U.S. defense programs and national security missions - Opportunities for professional development, tuition assistance, and career advancement within a growing organization where individual impact is recognized

Key Requirements

• Safety-First Mindset with High Consequence Awareness: Working with energetic materials, detonators, and CAD/PAD systems means a single lapse in judgment or complacency can result in catastrophic injury, loss of life, or facility damage. Unlike most manufacturing environments, the consequences here are irreversible. Riverbend needs engineers who internalize safety as a core value, not a compliance checkbox.
• Process Discipline and Technical Documentation Rigor: Energetic components manufactured for the U.S. defense industry must meet MIL-SPEC standards and withstand rigorous audits. Work instructions, traveler packages, and process flow diagrams must be precise and unambiguous because production technicians rely on them exactly as written. An early-career engineer who produces vague or incomplete documentation creates downstream quality and safety risk.
• Structured Problem-Solving and Root Cause Analysis Capability: Non-conformances in energetic component manufacturing cannot simply be scrapped and forgotten. They must be investigated thoroughly to protect product integrity, satisfy customer and regulatory requirements, and prevent recurrence. An engineer who defaults to surface-level fixes rather than true root cause identification will create recurring quality escapes that erode customer confidence in a 150-person company where reputation is everything.
• Comfort Operating in Highly Regulated, Compliance-Driven Environments: Riverbend operates under DoD explosive safety standards, government security requirements, and likely AS9100 or MIL-SPEC quality frameworks. Early-career engineers who have only worked in commercial or academic environments sometimes struggle with the pace and constraint of regulated manufacturing. Candidates who have prior exposure to defense, aerospace, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated production environments adapt significantly faster and add value sooner.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Practical Communication Across Skill Levels: At a 150-person company, Manufacturing Engineer I sits at the intersection of design engineering, quality assurance, production technicians, and program management. The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-engineers, and to listen and learn from experienced production personnel, directly determines how quickly this person becomes effective. Engineers who struggle to connect with the shop floor or who talk past quality and program stakeholders become bottlenecks rather than force multipliers.
  
  

About Riverbend Energetics

Riverbend Energetics is a defense and industrial manufacturer based in Alton, IL. We develop and produce energetic materials and specialty munitions for U.S. defense and allied customers. Our mission-critical work demands precision, safety, and a commitment to excellence.