Supplier Quality Engineer

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.

Riverbend Energetics is seeking a detail‑oriented Supplier Quality Engineer I (SQE I) to support the integrity of our defense and aerospace supply chain. Working closely with the Supplier Quality Manager, this entry‑level role serves as a developing cross‑functional resource across Supply Chain, Engineering, and Receiving Inspection. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically minded quality professional eager to build foundational expertise in a dynamic, mission‑critical manufacturing environment.

This position is primarily office‑based with regular interaction in an active manufacturing environment, including periodic floor walks through receiving, inspection, and production areas. Employees working in or transiting manufacturing areas must adhere to all applicable safety protocols, including controlled‑access requirements, PPE standards, and regulations governing energetic material areas as specified by ATF, DDESB, and site safety plans. Travel of up to 20% may be required to support supplier visits and on‑site audits.

• Perform first‑level review of First Article Inspection (FAI) packages in accordance with AS9102 requirements, flagging nonconformances or documentation gaps for disposition
• Support the Receiving Inspection department with disposition of nonconforming incoming material, and assist in developing or maintaining applicable inspection criteria, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria for key commodity families
• Coordinate Material Review Board (MRB) actions for supplier‑caused nonconformances; issue and follow up on Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), verifying root cause analysis and corrective action effectiveness
• Maintain supplier records within the ERP system, including quality status, certifications, and Approved Supplier List (ASL) standing; verify that supplier certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, Nadcap) are current and coordinate renewal reminders as needed
• Support supplier development activities, including gathering capability documentation, communicating quality requirements, and tracking qualification status
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the supplier quality function
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Receiving Inspection, Engineering, and Procurement to resolve quality issues and support program objectives

• Bachelor's degree in Quality, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field; an Associate's degree in a technical discipline combined with relevant quality engineering experience will be considered
• 1–3 years of experience in a Quality Engineer (QE) or Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) role within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated understanding of quality management fundamentals, including inspection methods, nonconformance management, and corrective action processes
• Proficiency with ERP systems for data entry, record maintenance, and reporting
• Familiarity with statistical sampling methodologies such as ANSI/ASQ AQL standards or MIL‑STD‑1916
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple open action items simultaneously
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for access to controlled program data in compliance with ITAR and applicable export control regulations

• Experience working within an ISO 9001 or AS9100 registered quality management system
• Working knowledge of AS9102 First Article Inspection documentation requirements
• Familiarity with structured corrective action methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa)
• Experience developing or tracking supplier performance metrics and KPIs
• Prior exposure to defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environments

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• The opportunity to grow within a specialized, mission‑driven defense manufacturing organization supporting U.S. national security
• A collaborative work environment with cross‑functional exposure across engineering, supply chain, and quality disciplines

• Documentation Rigor and Traceability Discipline
• Root Cause Thinking and Corrective Action Effectiveness
• Cross‑Functional Communication and Stakeholder Navigation
• Regulatory and Standards Literacy in a Controlled Environment
• Proactive Ownership in an Ambiguous, High‑Stakes Environment