Tooling Mechanic

Riverbend Energetics; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wage

Comprehensive benefits package

Long-term defense programs

Job summary

Riverbend Energetics is seeking two Tooling Mechanics to join our Automation department. This is a hands-on, hourly role for experienced machinists who value precision fabrication and equipment reliability in defense manufacturing.

You will design, repair tooling and machine components, troubleshoot PLCs, read blueprints, and collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to minimize downtime while maintaining safety standards.

Qualifications

• Trade school certificate or equivalent in machine tooling or maintenance.
• Hands-on experience operating manual/CNC lathes and mills.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and GD&T.
• U.S. citizen or eligible to work on U.S. defense contracts.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and repair tooling, fixtures, and machine components using manual and CNC lathes, mills, and other precision machine tools
• Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLCs to support automated equipment and production machinery
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic/hydraulic issues on plant equipment
• Read and work from blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical specifications to fabricate precision parts to tight tolerances
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on production machinery to minimize unplanned downtime
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to resolve equipment issues efficiently
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, tooling changes, and PLC program revisions in accordance with plant documentation standards
• Adhere to all plant safety procedures, including lockout/tagout protocols

Skills

Blueprint reading

PLC troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Independent worker

Safety compliance

GD&T literacy

Education

Trade school certificate

Tools

Manual lathe

CNC lathe

CNC mill

CAD drawings

Job description

About The Role

Riverbend Energetics is seeking two skilled Tooling Mechanics to join our Automation department. This is a hands-on, hourly position for experienced machinists and mechanics who take pride in precision fabrication, equipment reliability, and solving real problems at the machine every day. You will play a critical role in keeping our specialized production equipment running at the high standards demanded by U.S. defense manufacturing.

Department: Automation

About The Role
Riverbend Energetics is seeking two skilled Tooling Mechanics to join our Automation department. This is a hands-on, hourly position for experienced machinists and mechanics who take pride in precision fabrication, equipment reliability, and solving real problems at the machine every day. You will play a critical role in keeping our specialized production equipment running at the high standards demanded by U.S. defense manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and repair tooling, fixtures, and machine components using manual and CNC lathes, mills, and other precision machine tools
• Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLCs to support automated equipment and production machinery
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic/hydraulic issues on plant equipment
• Read and work from blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical specifications to fabricate precision parts to tight tolerances
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on production machinery to minimize unplanned downtime
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to resolve equipment issues efficiently
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, tooling changes, and PLC program revisions in accordance with plant documentation standards
• Adhere to all plant safety procedures, including lockout/tagout protocols

Required Qualifications

• Trade school certificate or equivalent in machine tool technology, tool & die, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance
• Hands-on experience operating manual and/or CNC lathes and mills
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and precision measurement instruments, including micrometers, calipers, and indicators
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and perform physical tasks — standing, lifting, and bending — throughout a full shift in a shop environment
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident eligible to work on U.S. defense contracts

Preferred Qualifications

• Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLC experience
• Apprenticeship completion or journeyman-level certification
• Prior experience in a defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated manufacturing environment

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wage and comprehensive benefits package
• Stable, long-term employment supporting critical U.S. defense programs
• A collaborative team environment where skilled trades are valued and respected

Key Requirements

• Precision Machining Proficiency: Riverbend manufactures energetic components and detonator systems where dimensional tolerances are safety-critical, not just quality-critical. A Tooling Mechanic who cannot hold tight tolerances on manual and CNC lathes and mills creates risk to both product integrity and personnel safety in an explosives environment.
• PLC Programming and Troubleshooting: Riverbend's Automation department runs specialized production machinery for defense-grade energetic components. Unplanned downtime in this environment is costly and operationally disruptive. A mechanic who can independently diagnose PLC faults and modify ladder logic — especially on Allen-Bradley/Rockwell systems — dramatically reduces reliance on outside vendors and speeds recovery time.
• Multi-Discipline Mechanical Troubleshooting: Production equipment at a defense energetics manufacturer is complex and downtime cannot be tolerated. A Tooling Mechanic who can diagnose problems across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems — rather than just one domain — is far more valuable in a lean, 150-person operation where specialists may not always be available on shift.
• Regulated or Safety-Critical Manufacturing Experience: Riverbend operates under strict U.S. defense contract requirements and handles hazardous energetic materials. Candidates who have worked in defense, aerospace, chemical, or similarly regulated environments already understand documentation discipline, safety protocol compliance, and the cultural seriousness required when mistakes have severe consequences. This accelerates their ramp-up and reduces safety risk.
• Blueprint Literacy and Documentation Discipline: Tooling Mechanics at Riverbend fabricate components from engineering drawings and must maintain accurate records of repairs, tooling changes, and PLC revisions. In a defense manufacturing context, documentation is not optional — it supports traceability, audit readiness, and safety. A mechanic who cannot read GD&T or who treats paperwork as an afterthought is a compliance and quality liability.

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.