Program Manager

Program Manager II About the Role Riverbend Energetics is seeking an experienced Program Manager II to lead and execute complex defense programs involving energetic components, electric/stab detonators, and CAD/PAD systems for U.S. defense customers. In this role, you will serve as the primary customer interface and internal program champion, driving program performance across cost, schedule, and technical objectives. This is a high-visibility opportunity to shape mission-critical programs that directly support U.S. national defense. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned defense program customers, managing relationships with program offices, prime contractors, and government agencies throughout the program lifecycle Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and finance to execute programs on time and within budget Develop, maintain, and report on program plans, schedules, budgets, and Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics to internal leadership and external customers Identify, assess, and actively mitigate program risks and opportunities, maintaining formal risk registers and presenting status at program and executive reviews Manage Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) and ensure timely, compliant delivery of all contractual deliverables Support proposal development activities including work breakdown structure (WBS) development, basis-of-estimate (BOE) generation, and schedule development for new business pursuits Partner with business development and capture teams to support customer calls, program reviews, and organic growth opportunities within existing program portfolios Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical or management discipline Minimum 5 years of program management experience in the defense industry, including direct ownership of cost, schedule, and technical performance Demonstrated experience managing U.S. government contracts in a FAR/DFARS environment, including firm-fixed-price (FFP) and cost-type contract vehicles Proficiency with program scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project) and program performance reporting Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to present program status to senior leadership and government customers U.S. citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance Ability to work on-site at Riverbend Energetics facilities in compliance with applicable explosive safety regulations and site security requirements Preferred Qualifications Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or Defense Acquisition University (DAU) program management credentials Experience managing programs involving energetic materials, ordnance, pyrotechnics, or other hazardous or regulated defense hardware Familiarity with DODIC/NSN systems, MIL-spec requirements, and defense ordnance qualification processes (e.g., HERO, ESD, drop/shock testing) Active DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance Experience with AS9100 or equivalent quality management systems in a defense manufacturing environment Prior military service or direct experience working within a government program office What We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package The opportunity to lead programs that directly support U.S. warfighter readiness and national security at a specialized, innovative defense manufacturer A collaborative, mission-driven culture where program managers have meaningful authority and visibility across a 150-person organization Professional development support including training, certification assistance, and pathways to senior program leadership roles Key Requirements Defense Acquisition & Contracting Fluency: Riverbend operates exclusively in the U.S. defense market under FAR/DFARS regulations with FFP and cost-type contracts. A PM who truly understands the government acquisition lifecycle — not just nominally — will move faster, make fewer compliance errors, and build credibility with government program offices. At a 150-person company, there is no large contracts department to backstop a PM who lacks this knowledge. Cross-Functional Authority Without Direct Control: The PM leads Integrated Product Teams spanning engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and finance — none of whom report directly to them. At a 150-person company, formal authority is limited and influence is everything. A PM who relies on org-chart power will stall programs; one who builds trust and creates accountability across functions will consistently deliver. Hazardous / Regulated Hardware Program Experience: Energetic components, detonators, and CAD/PAD systems carry unique regulatory, safety, and qualification burdens — HERO, ESD, MIL-spec compliance, explosive safety site plans — that do not exist in standard defense hardware programs. A PM unfamiliar with this environment will underestimate risk, misschedule qualification activities, and create safety or compliance exposure. This is the single biggest differentiator from a generic defense PM. Customer Relationship Management Under Pressure: The PM is the primary face to government program offices and prime contractors. Defense customers have long memories, and relationships built or damaged at the program level directly affect re-compete positioning and organic growth. At a small, specialized company like Riverbend, losing a key customer relationship is a material business risk — there is no account team to absorb the damage. Rigorous Risk & Schedule Discipline: Defense energetics programs involve long-lead materials, tightly regulated test sequences, and low-volume, high-consequence deliverables where a single schedule slip can affect warfighter readiness. A PM at Riverbend must maintain formal, credible risk registers and schedules — not as reporting theater, but as actual management tools. In a small company without deep program management infrastructure, the PM must personally enforce this discipline. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr