Master Production Planner

About the role

Riverbend Energetics is a 150-person defense contractor specializing in energetic components, electric and stab detonators, and CAD/PAD systems for the U.S. defense industry. We operate in a high-accountability, ATF-regulated manufacturing environment where precision, reliability, and on-time delivery to military and defense customers are mission-critical.

Core Responsibilities

• Master Production Scheduling
• Translate customer orders, contract requirements, and demand signals into executable production schedules
• Develop, publish, and maintain the master production schedule (MPS) aligned to contract delivery requirements, lot sizes, and available capacity
• Coordinate with production supervisors across Assembly, Initiator, and Detonator lines to validate schedule feasibility and surface constraints before commitments are made
• Monitor schedule adherence; identify root causes of slippage and drive corrective action with urgency
• Materials Requirements Planning (MRP)
• Run and maintain MRP in Deltek Costpoint; ensure BOMs, routings, lead times, and lot-sizing rules are accurate and current
• Generate planned orders and purchase requisitions for raw materials, components, and energetic precursors consistent with ATF record-keeping requirements
• Partner with Procurement to resolve material shortages, expedite critical path items, and manage supplier lead time changes
• Maintain appropriate safety stock levels for long-lead and sole-source materials without over-investing working capital
• Capacity Planning and Constraint Management
• Develop rough-cut capacity plans (RCCP) and detailed capacity requirement plans (CRP) by work center
• Identify bottlenecks across assembly, test, and inspection operations; work with supervisors and engineering to develop mitigation plans
• Support decisions around overtime, temporary labor, tooling investments, and work center expansions based on quantitative capacity data
• Demand and Inventory Management
• Maintain finished goods, WIP, and component inventory targets in Costpoint; drive cycle count and physical inventory reconciliation
• Analyze demand patterns across programs and support Sales/Program Management with delivery timeline inputs during proposal and negotiation
• Generate short-range (13-week) and mid-range (12-month) production forecasts for operational and financial planning
• Cross-Functional Coordination and Reporting
• Lead or participate in the weekly Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) / production planning meeting with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Program Management
• Provide schedule status, on-time delivery metrics, and risk reporting to leadership and government customers as required
• Collaborate with Quality to account for inspection lead times, rejection/rework rates, and First Article requirements in schedule planning
• Support DCSA, ATF, and customer audits with production records, schedule documentation, and traceability data

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field — or equivalent demonstrated experience
• 5+ years of hands-on production planning, MPS/MRP, and scheduling experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency with an ERP/MRP system; prior Deltek Costpoint experience strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of production scheduling concepts: lead time management, lot sizing, pegging, RCCP/CRP
• Ability to obtain and maintain ATF Federal Explosives Licensee (FEL) clearance — requires U.S. citizenship and clean background
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, scenario modeling)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present schedule data clearly to supervisors, leadership, and government representatives

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification (active or in progress)
• Experience in a defense, aerospace, or other government-regulated manufacturing environment (ITAR, FAR/DFARS familiarity a plus)
• Prior experience with energetic materials, pyrotechnics, ammunition, or ordnance manufacturing
• Familiarity with DCSA/DCMA oversight, government contract delivery orders, and CDRL/data item requirements
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based within Riverbend's Alton, Illinois facility, with regular presence on the production floor. The manufacturing environment involves the production of energetic materials including detonators, initiators, and related ordnance components. All personnel must comply with ATF regulations, site safety protocols, and PPE requirements when in production areas. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. Prolonged computer use. Minimal travel required.

Compensation and Benefits

Riverbend Energetics offers a competitive total compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based incentive
• Comprehensive health benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off

Specific pay range information is available during the interview process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Riverbend Energetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

WORKPLACE SAFETY

This position is subject to export control regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined under 22 C.F.R.120.15.