Buyer, Supply Chain​/Logistics

About The Role

Riverbend Energetics is seeking a detail-oriented and driven Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in support of our mission to deliver precision energetic components and CAD/PAD systems to the U.S. defense industry. In this role, you will manage the procurement of raw materials, components, and services critical to the manufacture of highly regulated defense products. You will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Compliance teams to ensure on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and full regulatory adherence across our supply base.

Riverbend Energetics is seeking a detail-oriented and driven Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in support of our mission to deliver precision energetic components and CAD/PAD systems to the U.S. defense industry. In this role, you will manage the procurement of raw materials, components, and services critical to the manufacture of highly regulated defense products. You will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Compliance teams to ensure on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and full regulatory adherence across our supply base.

• Execute purchase orders for raw materials, energetic components, electronic assemblies, and indirect goods and services in support of production schedules and program requirements
• Source and qualify new suppliers in accordance with Riverbend's Approved Supplier List (ASL) process, including coordination with Quality for supplier audits and certifications
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure on-time delivery, competitive pricing, and compliance with applicable requirements including ITAR, AS9100, and energetics-specific handling standards
• Monitor open order reports and proactively communicate supply risks, lead time changes, and shortages to Planning, Production, and Program Management stakeholders
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms and conditions with suppliers to achieve best value while maintaining supply chain continuity
• Maintain accurate and complete procurement records in the ERP system, including pricing history, supplier documentation, and purchase order status
• Support resolution of receiving discrepancies, invoice disputes, and supplier non-conformances in coordination with Quality Assurance and Accounts Payable

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Up to 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment; recent graduates with relevant coursework, internships, or co-op experience are encouraged to apply
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for use with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15) due to access to export-controlled technical data and materials
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance if required by program needs

• Experience in defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries
• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, and FAR/DFARS procurement regulations and their application to purchasing activities
• Experience procuring pyrotechnic, explosive, or other hazardous materials in compliance with ATF and DOT regulations
• APICS CPIM, ISM CPSM, or other recognized supply chain certification
• Experience with supplier qualification, development, and performance management programs
• Familiarity with AS9100 or equivalent quality management system requirements

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Meaningful work supporting critical U.S. defense programs with direct impact on warfighter readiness and national security
• A collaborative, safety-first culture within a specialized and growing organization where your contributions are visible and valued
• Professional development support, including supply chain certification sponsorship and opportunities for career advancement within an expanding defense manufacturing company

• Regulatory Awareness in Defense Procurement:
  Riverbend operates in one of the most tightly regulated manufacturing environments possible — energetics for defense. A buyer who mishandles ITAR, ATF, FAR/DFARS, or DOT compliance requirements doesn't just create cost problems; they create legal liability, program shutdowns, and potential criminal exposure. Even at the entry level, this buyer will be touching export-controlled materials and documentation daily.
• Proactive Supply Risk Communication:
  In energetics manufacturing, a single missing component can halt a production line building safety-critical defense systems. At a 150-person company, there is no large buffer team to absorb silent failures — this buyer's ability to spot and escalate supply risks early…