Manufacturing Engineer I

Riverbend Energetics; Alton (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Specialized training in energetic materials manufacturing

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

Riverbend Energetics is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer I in Alton, Illinois, to support the design and improvement of manufacturing processes for defense-related components. This role combines hands-on engineering with collaboration across production and quality teams, emphasizing rigorous safety standards.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and a willingness to work with energetic materials. Riverbend Energetics offers specialized training and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or closely related engineering discipline.
• U.S. citizenship required for security clearance eligibility.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimization of manufacturing processes.
• Assist in design and qualification of tooling and equipment.
• Collect and analyze production data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA)

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer I

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.

Benefits

• 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.