Supplier Quality Engineer I

About The Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

Perform first-level review of First Article Inspection (FAI) packages in accordance with AS9102 requirements, flagging nonconformances or documentation gaps for dispositionSupport 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 familiesCoordinate 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 effectivenessMaintain 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 neededSupport supplier development activities, including gathering capability documentation, communicating quality requirements, and tracking qualification statusContribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the supplier quality functionCollaborate cross-functionally with Receiving Inspection, Engineering, and Procurement to resolve quality issues and support program objectives

Required Qualifications

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 considered1–3 years of experience in a Quality Engineer (QE) or Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) role within a manufacturing environmentDemonstrated understanding of quality management fundamentals, including inspection methods, nonconformance management, and corrective action processesProficiency with ERP systems for data entry, record maintenance, and reportingFamiliarity with statistical sampling methodologies such as ANSI/ASQ AQL standards or MIL-STD-1916Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specificationsStrong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple open action items simultaneouslyMust be a U.S. citizen and eligible for access to controlled program data in compliance with ITAR and applicable export control regulations

Preferred Qualifications

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

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits packageThe opportunity to grow within a specialized, mission-driven defense manufacturing organization supporting U.S. national securityA collaborative work environment with cross-functional exposure across engineering, supply chain, and quality disciplines

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.

Key Requirements

Documentation Rigor and Traceability Discipline: In a defense manufacturing environment producing energetic components and CAD/PAD systems, incomplete or inaccurate quality records can have mission-critical consequences. AS9102 FAI packages, SCAR documentation, and ASL records must be precise and audit-ready at all times. At a 150-person contractor, there is less organizational redundancy to catch errors, making individual discipline essential.Root Cause Thinking and Corrective Action Effectiveness: Issuing a SCAR is easy; verifying that a supplier's corrective action actually eliminates the root cause is hard. At Riverbend, supplier-caused nonconformances in energetic component supply chains carry downstream safety and program risk. An SQE who accepts shallow 5-Why responses or unverified effectiveness checks creates systemic vulnerability in the supply chain.Cross-Functional Communication and Stakeholder Navigation: This role sits at the intersection of Supply Chain, Engineering, and Receiving Inspection with no direct authority over any of them. At a 150-person company, relationships move faster than formal processes, and the SQE must be able to surface quality issues, communicate requirements to suppliers, and coordinate MRB dispositions without creating friction that slows down procurement or production schedules.Regulatory and Standards Literacy in a Controlled Environment: Riverbend operates under ITAR, ATF, and DDESB regulations in addition to AS9100/AS9102 and Nadcap supplier certification requirements. An SQE who cannot navigate this landscape will create compliance exposure. Even at the entry level, the candidate must understand that supplier certifications, drawing controls, and access to technical data are not administrative formalities but legal and contractual obligations.Proactive Ownership in an Ambiguous, High-Stakes Environment: As an entry-level role at a small defense contractor, this SQE will frequently encounter situations without a clear playbook. Supplier qualification gaps, novel nonconformances, and cross-functional disagreements will require someone who takes initiative, asks the right questions, and follows through without needing to be managed closely. The mission-critical nature of Riverbend's products means that passivity or waiting for direction is a genuine risk.

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.