Lean Value Stream Leader—Defense-Grade Manufacturing

Riverbend Energetics; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Meaningful defense work

Safety-first culture

Professional development sponsorship

Job summary

Riverbend Energetics, based in Alton, IL, seeks an experienced Value Stream Manager to own a dedicated product line within a strict regulatory environment governing energetic materials for U.S. defense.

You will lead cross-functional teams in Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to eliminate waste and drive continuous improvement using lean principles. The role requires a strong track record in regulated manufacturing, ISO/AS9100 quality systems, ITAR/ATF compliance, and on-site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing operations or production leadership experience, including direct supervisory responsibility.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles—to drive operational improvement
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 or AS9100 and safety compliance in regulated manufacturing
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage production teams, engineering, quality, and program management stakeholders
• U.S. citizen or U.S. person per ITAR (22 CFR 120.15) due to access to export-controlled data
• Regular on-site presence at Riverbend's Alton, IL facility; on-site work is an essential function
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance if required

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe working environment and compliance with ITAR/ATF and ISO/AS9100 standards
• Manage daily operations, schedules, capacity planning, and resource allocation within the value stream
• Lead continuous improvement using lean tools to reduce waste and improve performance
• Hire, train, and develop a high-performing team with certification matrix
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Product Development, and Program Management
• Maintain regulatory compliance with ATF licenses, Q-D, PHA, and recordkeeping
• Coordinate engineering changes affecting production processes and work instructions
• Own SQDCM metrics and drive daily management within the value stream
• Plan capital equipment and staffing for throughput growth
• Support customer, DCMA, and government audits and site visits

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Quality management systems

Communication skills

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Riverbend Energetics, based in Alton, IL, seeks an experienced Value Stream Manager to own a dedicated product line within a strict regulatory environment governing energetic materials for U.S. defense.

You will lead cross-functional teams in Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to eliminate waste and drive continuous improvement using lean principles. The role requires a strong track record in regulated manufacturing, ISO/AS9100 quality systems, ITAR/ATF compliance, and on-site