Equipment Specialist

Altria; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) in Hopkinsville, KY, is seeking an Electrical Equipment Specialist for 1st or 3rd shift to troubleshoot electrical control and process systems on the line.

You will analyze data, implement improvements, and provide PLC programming support (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) in a manufacturing setting, while collaborating with Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure reliable plant operations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on technical industrial work with process controls, PLCs, and instrumentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork for technical support teams to achieve manufacturing efficiency.
• Strong computer skills with experience in programming control systems and office software.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and P&ID is strongly encouraged.
• Solid understanding of Rockwell/Allen-Bradley electrical hardware such as motor starters, VFDs, remote I/O, and servos is helpful.
• Regular and reliable on-site attendance is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-shift troubleshooting for electrical control and process systems during production.
• Analyze data and apply problem-solving techniques to implement improvements for various clients (Engineering, Information Systems, Maintenance, Quality, Manufacturing).
• Apply problem-solving techniques to facilitate design improvements for methods, processes, products, systems, documentation, and equipment.
• Provide PLC (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) programming support for CI initiatives and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.
• Offer technical support for installation qualifications, operational qualifications, and production qualifications.
• Assist in developing and recommending spare parts lists for mechanical components and design improvements.
• Participate in technical discussions with internal teams and external OEM resources to resolve equipment issues.
• Provide technical support to Natural Work Teams and other problem-solving initiatives.
• Demonstrate familiarity with production equipment, boilers, air compressors, and rotary equipment; knowledge of engineering concepts, charts, and layouts.
• Maintain familiarity with test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment.
• Determine project scope, specifications, and cost estimates for plant and remote site improvements, and provide budget projections.
• Work independently and prioritize assignments in a multi-tasking environment with tight deadlines.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Strong computer skills

Reading electrical drawings

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs

On-site attendance

Education

Associate degree in a technical field

Tools

Motor starters and VFDs

Remote I/O and servos

Job description

Together We Innovate. Together We Change.

Are you seeking an opportunity that involves problem solving on electrical control and process systems support? If so, then we have an opportunity for you!

Imagine your next position as an Electrical Equipment Specialist [1st or 3rd shift] with U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) in Hopkinsville, KY! Here, we are committed to strong work ethic, dedication to quality, and innovation. Our culture blends tradition with forward-thinking, where every team member plays a role in shaping the future of our smokeless tobacco brands.

What you will be doing:

• Providing on-shift troubleshooting for electrical control and process systems during production, supporting areas such as packaging and processing.
• Analyzing data and applying problem‑solving techniques to implement improvements in support of various clients, including (but not limited to) Engineering, Information Systems, Maintenance, Quality, and Manufacturing.
• Applying problem‑solving techniques to facilitate design improvements for methods, processes, products, systems, documentation, and/or equipment.
• Providing PLC (Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley) programming support for both continuous improvement initiatives and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.
• Offering technical support for installation qualifications, operational qualifications, and production qualifications.
• Assisting in developing and recommending spare parts lists for mechanical components, technical alternatives, and design improvements.
• Participating in technical discussions with internal teams and external OEM resources to resolve equipment issues.
• Providing technical support to Natural Work Teams and other problem‑solving teams/initiatives.
• Demonstrating strong familiarity with one or more types of production equipment, boilers, and air compressors; mechanical experience with rotary equipment and distribution systems; and knowledge of engineering concepts, designs, charts, and layouts.
• Maintaining familiarity with common test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment.
• Determining project scope, specifications, and cost estimates for plant and remote site improvements, and providing budget projections.
• Working independently and prioritizing assignments in a multi‑tasking environment with tight and changing deadlines.

What we want you to have:

• Associate degree in a technical field and/or equivalent skills gained through proven experience.
• 2+ years of hands‑on technical industrial work experience with process controls, PLCs, and instrumentation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively participate in technical support teams to achieve optimal manufacturing efficiency.
• Strong computer skills with experience programming various control systems and using general office software applications.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and piping & instrumentation diagrams is strongly encouraged.
• Solid understanding of Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley electrical hardware such as motor starters, VFDs, remote I/O, and servos is helpful.
• Regular and reliable on‑site attendance is required.