Packaging Principal Engineer II

Altria Group, Inc.; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and remote options

401(k) matching

Relocation benefits

Job summary

Altria Client Services in Richmond, VA is seeking a Packaging Principal Engineer II to shape the future of packaging across our portfolio. This hybrid role includes relocation benefits and a focus on strategy, technology development, and commercialization.

You will partner with senior leaders, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and external partners to deliver scalable, consumer-focused packaging solutions that provide competitive advantage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a packaging-related technical field.
• 12+ years of experience in packaging engineering, innovation and commercialization.
• Proven success leading complex packaging initiatives from concept to launch.
• Deep expertise in packaging materials, manufacturing technologies, and packaging systems design.
• Experience influencing technical direction and business strategy across organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise packaging strategy with long-term roadmaps.
• Drive breakthrough packaging solutions and commercialization.
• Serve as a technical thought leader in packaging technologies and standards.
• Influence decisions with data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.
• Advance sustainability and regulatory compliance across packaging programs.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Packaging innovation

Commercialization

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic influence

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging related field

Master's or PhD in Packaging Science/Engineering/Materials Science

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Principal Engineer II

Work Model: Hybrid

Company: Altria Client Services

Job Description:

Shape the Future of Packaging Innovation

Are you a packaging expert who thrives at the intersection of innovation, technology, commercialization, and business strategy? Altria is seeking a Packaging Principal Engineer II to serve as a recognized enterprise leader responsible for driving the future of packaging across our portfolio of products. This position is located in Richmond, VA with a Hybrid work schedule, relocation benefits will be provided.

In this highly visible role, you will influence packaging strategy, guide next-generation technology development, and lead initiatives that enhance consumer experiences, improve operational performance, and deliver competitive advantage. You'll partner with senior leaders, product developers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and external partners to solve complex challenges and bring innovative packaging solutions from concept to commercialization.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by defining the future of packaging capabilities, sustainability initiatives, manufacturing technologies, and product innovation across the enterprise.

What You'll Do

Lead Enterprise Packaging Strategy

• Develop long-term packaging technology roadmaps aligned with business and innovation objectives.
• Identify emerging materials, manufacturing technologies, sustainability advancements, and consumer trends that can shape future product platforms.
• Influence strategic investments, supplier partnerships, and capability development opportunities across the organization.
• Anticipate future packaging challenges and create innovative solutions that support business growth.

Drive Packaging Innovation & Commercialization

• Lead the development of breakthrough packaging solutions supporting new and next-generation products.
• Guide packaging architecture, materials selection, graphics implementation, and manufacturing integration.
• Ensure packaging solutions are scalable, manufacturable, consumer-focused, and commercially successful.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to accelerate innovation and speed-to-market.

Serve as a Technical Thought Leader

• Serve as a trusted technical leader and packaging specialist, providing guidance on advanced packaging technologies and best practices.
• Establish engineering standards, development methodologies, and packaging design principles.
• Lead the resolution of complex technical challenges with significant business impact.
• Mentor and coach technical talent across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and product development organizations.

Influence Enterprise Decisions

• Collaborate with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Procurement, Brand Management, and external partners.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to senior leadership regarding packaging technologies, investments, risk assessments, and commercialization strategies.
• Build strategic relationships with suppliers and technology partners to expand organizational capabilities.

Advance Sustainability & Compliance

• Lead packaging strategies that support sustainability goals and responsible innovation.
• Provide expertise related to FDA, environmental, transportation, labeling, and consumer product regulations.
• Ensure packaging systems meet regulatory requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in packaging engineering, packaging innovation, and commercialization.
• Proven success leading complex packaging initiatives from concept through launch.
• Deep expertise in packaging materials, manufacturing technologies, packaging systems design, and commercialization.
• Experience influencing technical direction and business strategy across organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Packaging Science, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) certification or equivalent credential.
• Experience in FDA-regulated or other highly regulated consumer product industries.
• Experience supporting global packaging initiatives and international commercialization.
• Track record of developing enterprise standards, technical frameworks, patents, publications, or industry-leading innovations.

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: $132,500.00 - $202,100.00.

Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria

• Work where life works for you -with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
• 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.

Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we’ve been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.

At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.

Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group.