Energetics Product Engineer

Riverbend Energetics; Alton (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Safety-first culture

Job summary

Riverbend Energetics in Alton, Illinois, is seeking an Energetics Product Engineer to contribute to the design and qualification of energetic components essential for national security. You will work on cutting-edge technology while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with stringent military specifications.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 3 years of experience in energetics. We offer competitive salaries, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to safety and excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in energetics, pyrotechnics, or explosive device development.
• Strong understanding of military specifications and safety standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development for energetic components from concept to production.
• Conduct testing of energetic materials, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Collaborate with teams to optimize production processes and maintain quality.

Skills

Strong understanding of energetic materials

Analytical problem-solving skills

Technical writing skills

Proficiency with CAD software

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

CAD software

Data analysis applications

Job description

Energetics Product Engineer

Riverbend Energetics is a specialized defense contractor with over 150 dedicated professionals committed to advancing the science and manufacturing of energetic components for the U.S. defense industry. For more than two decades, we have been a trusted supplier of precision-engineered detonators, initiators, and pyrotechnic devices to prime defense contractors and government agencies. Our state-of-the-art facilities combine advanced manufacturing capabilities with rigorous safety protocols, enabling us to deliver mission-critical components that meet the most demanding performance specifications. At Riverbend, we take pride in our role supporting the warfighter and maintaining the technological edge that national security requires.

About the Role

Join Riverbend Energetics as an Energetics Product Engineer and play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and qualifying the energetic components that support our nation's defense. You'll work at the forefront of detonator and initiator technology, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver precision-engineered solutions that meet the most demanding military specifications and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development efforts for energetic components and detonator systems from concept through qualification and production release.
• Design electric detonators, stab detonators, initiators, and CAD/PAD devices, including material selection, component specifications, and assembly processes.
• Conduct testing and analysis of energetic materials, pyrotechnic compositions, and initiating systems to evaluate performance, stability, sensitivity, and compatibility.
• Design and execute qualification and acceptance test programs including environmental, functional, and lot acceptance testing per military specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize production processes for energetic loading, assembly, and quality control while maintaining rigorous safety protocols.
• Ensure products meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements through hazard analysis and documentation in accordance with MIL-STD, DDESB, and DoD requirements.
• Develop and maintain technical data packages, engineering drawings, test reports, and specifications to support program and customer deliverables.
• Provide technical support to internal teams, customers, and government program offices regarding product specifications, failure analysis, and troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in energetics, pyrotechnics, or explosive device development.
• Strong understanding of energetic materials, pyrotechnic compositions, initiation systems, and chemical kinetics.
• Familiarity with military specifications and standards (MIL-STD-1316, MIL-DTL-23659, MIL-PRF-19690) and qualification testing requirements.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and safety standards for energetic materials (DDESB, ATF, DOT).
• Proficiency with CAD software and data analysis applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• U.S. citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Direct experience with detonator design, CAD/PAD systems, or initiating device development.
• Prior experience in defense or aerospace applications.
• Active DoD security clearance.
• Experience with product lifecycle management in regulated defense programs.
• Background in supplier qualification and supply chain management for energetic materials.

Why Riverbend Energetics?

• Mission-Driven Work: Contribute directly to critical national security programs that protect service members and strengthen our nation's defense capabilities
• Technical Excellence: Work alongside experienced engineers and scientists in a collaborative environment where innovation in energetic technologies is encouraged and rewarded
• Growth Opportunity: As an expanding defense organization, we offer clear pathways for professional development, technical leadership, and career advancement
• Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and recognition programs that reflect the specialized expertise our team brings
• Safety-First Culture: Join an organization where rigorous safety protocols and continuous improvement are embedded in everything we do

Riverbend Energetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

This position requires U.S. citizenship due to access to export-controlled information and compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and pre-employment drug screening in accordance with company policy and applicable federal requirements.