Controls Engineer

Altria; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & holidays

Merit increases & bonus

401(k) matching

Deferred Profit Sharing

Student loan assistance

Professional development stipends

Medical, dental, vision

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Volunteer days

Job summary

Altria is seeking a Senior Manufacturing [Controls] Engineer II for U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) in Richmond, VA.

The role involves troubleshooting and supporting factory systems, deploying control system improvements, and providing second-tier technical support for manufacturing equipment. The candidate will work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with responsibilities spanning equipment, process data analysis, and program coordination.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in engineering required.
• 6–8 years of experience in manufacturing, factory controls support, and PLC/machine controls troubleshooting.
• Experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, drives, servo controllers; Beckhoff PLC; vision systems; FactoryTalk View and AssetCentre; barcode readers preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot new process and packing equipment, including customized equipment.
• Support reliability initiatives to minimize failures via root cause analysis and predictive maintenance.
• Analyze PLC-controlled equipment process data and trend software as needed.
• Develop and deploy control system improvements to meet product requirements.
• Analyze and apply problem-solving techniques for methods, processes, and equipment.
• Contribute to major programs/projects requiring coordination by technical personnel.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Troubleshooting PLCs

Fast-paced environment

Education

Undergraduate engineering degree

Tools

Allen Bradley ControlLogix

Allen Bradley drives

Beckhoff PLC

Vision systems

FactoryTalk View

AssetCentre

Barcode readers

Job description

Are you seeking a leadership opportunity that involves providing equipment and system engineering solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? If so, then we have an opportunity for you!

We are currently seeking a highly qualified Senior Manufacturing [Controls] Engineer II to join us at U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) in Richmond, VA.

The location will reside within the Richmond area supporting both Manufacturing and Processing operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams. This role will be expected to support troubleshooting and resolution of factory system and equipment issues, offer second-tier technical support, and provide technical expertise to support new equipment installations.

What you will be doing:

• Actively troubleshoot and problem-solve new process and packing equipment. This may include working on customized equipment and building capability to support both existing and new product platforms.
• Support reliability initiatives as directed to ensure systems operate dependably by minimizing failures through root cause analysis, predictive maintenance, and failure prevention strategies.
• Analyze process data to evaluate process health and performance of PLC controlled equipment. Experience with trending software preferred.
• Develop and deploy control system improvements to enhance process capability to meet product requirements and business demand.
• Analyze and apply problem solving techniques to develop and implement improvements for methods, processes, products, systems, documentation, and equipment.
• Contribute to major programs/projects which require coordination by technical personnel.

What we want you to have:

• Undergraduate degree in an engineering field is required.
• Minimum 6-8 years of experience in manufacturing, factory controls support, and demonstrated troubleshooting in PLC’s/machine controls.
• Experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, Allen Bradley drives and servo controllers, Beckhoff PLC platforms, vision systems, FactoryTalk View and AssetCentre, and barcode readers is strongly preferred.
• Experience and ability to work in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Provide technical support during normal and off-business hours (including weekends/holidays) to ensure that processing and manufacturing meet business needs.

At U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, we recognize that our people are the reason we achieve our business goals. We believe in developing the leadership potential of our employees by providing them with opportunities for training, development, and advancement.

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $104,900.00 - $152,150.00.

Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria

At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported — both at work and in life. Here’s what you’ll find here:

• Own your time — start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully.
• A place where you belong — where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real.
• Get recognized for your work — annual merit increases and performance bonus.
• A future you can count on — 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%–17% of your base salary.
• Help with your goals — get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends.
• Support for what matters most — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Celebrating your milestones — paid parental and bonding leave for life’s biggest moments.
• Wellness that goes beyond work — programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life.
• A culture that gives back — paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference.

At Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.