Energetics Product Engineer

Riverbend Energetics; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mission-driven work

Technical leadership

Career development

Competitive compensation

Safety-first culture

Job summary

Riverbend Energetics in Alton, IL is seeking an Energetics Product Engineer to design, develop, and qualify energetic components including detonators and initiators. You will lead cross-functional teams to meet tight military specifications, perform testing and analysis, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle.

The role requires U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD security clearance, with a fast-paced environment that emphasizes precision, quality,

Qualifications

• Experience in energetics or explosive device development.
• Strong understanding of energetic materials, initiation systems, and chemical kinetics.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD and DoD regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development for energetic components and detonator systems from concept through production release.
• Design electric detonators, stab detonators, initiators, and CAD/PAD devices including materials and assembly.
• Test energetic materials and initiating systems to evaluate performance, stability, and compatibility.
• Coordinate qualification and acceptance tests per military specifications and safety standards.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize production processes for energetic loading and quality control.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance through hazard analyses and documentation.
• Develop and maintain technical data packages, drawings, test reports, and specifications.
• Provide technical support to internal teams, customers, and government programs.

Skills

Energetics knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Technical writing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry

Tools

CAD software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About Riverbend Energetics

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 Riverbend Energetics

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.

Key Requirements

• Safety-First Technical Judgment


• End-to-End Product Ownership Mentality


• Practical Energetics Testing Expertise


• Cross-Functional Communication Under Constraints


• Regulatory and Specification Fluency

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.