Entry-Level Energetics Product Engineer - Defense Tech

Energ Engine Product Engineer I

Riverbend Energetics is seeking a motivated and technically curious Energetics Product Engineer I to join our Engineering department in support of critical U.S. defense programs. In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to build hands‑on expertise in energetic materials and component design, contributing to the development, qualification, and sustainment of electric and stab detonators, CAD/PAD systems, and related energetic components.

This position is an excellent entry point for early‑career engineers looking to develop deep technical specialization in a highly disciplined, mission‑driven field — with clear pathways for growth into more senior engineering roles within our organization.

• Support the design, development, and qualification of energetic components—including electric/stab detonators and CAD/PAD systems—in accordance with applicable military standards and customer requirements, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Assist in authoring and reviewing engineering documentation, including design specifications, test plans, test reports, and engineering change proposals.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and safety teams to support resolution of producibility, compliance, and performance challenges.
• Collect, organize, and analyze test data from development and qualification programs, presenting findings clearly and supporting engineering conclusions drawn by the broader team.
• Participate in design reviews, customer technical interchange meetings, and program reviews, developing familiarity with formal defense program processes.
• Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations related to product nonconformances, contributing to the identification and implementation of corrective actions.
• Continuously develop technical knowledge of energetic materials, military standards, and defense industry practices through on‑the‑job learning and mentorship.

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 0–3 years of engineering experience; internship, co‑op, or research experience in a defense, aerospace, or relevant technical environment is a plus.
• Foundational ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and GD&T.
• Strong technical writing skills and attention to detail, with the ability to contribute to formal engineering documentation.
• Eagerness to learn military standards and specifications relevant to energetic devices (e.g., MIL-STD-1316, MIL-DTL-23659) and to apply them under guidance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Ability to work safely in proximity to explosive materials in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.

• Coursework or hands‑on project experience in propulsion, pyrotechnics, energetic materials, or related technical areas.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or other quality management system frameworks.
• Exposure to statistical analysis tools or Design of Experiments (DOE) concepts in an academic or professional setting.
• Proficiency with CAD software (Solid Works, CATIA, or equivalent) for design development and review.
• Active DoD Secret or higher security clearance.

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
• Structured mentorship and hands‑on technical development within a specialized team of energetics professionals, with clear pathways for advancement into mid‑level and senior engineering roles.
• The opportunity to contribute to mission‑critical programs that directly support U.S. warfighters and national security, from the earliest stages of your engineering career.
• A collaborative, safety‑focused culture where early‑career engineers are supported, challenged, and set up for long‑term success.

• Safety‑First Discipline and Hazardous Environment Awareness:
  Working with explosive materials at Riverbend is not theoretical — a single lapse in judgment or protocol can have catastrophic consequences. At 150 people, there is no large bureaucracy to…