PLC/SCADA Engineering Lead, Primary Processing

Altria USA; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 15 days

13 paid holidays

Floating holidays

401(k) matching

Deferred Profit Sharing

Student loan repayment

Professional development stipend

Medical, dental, and vision

Parental leave

Volunteer days

Remote work options

Job summary

Altria USA in Richmond, VA is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer I to lead automation for Primary Processing. You will translate data into robust PLC logic, intuitive HMIs, and reliability strategies that keep production safe, reliable, and aligned with consumer demand.

You'll be the primary coverage on nights and weekends, build and deploy PLC/HMI solutions, improve control systems, analyze health with historians, and mentor maintenance teams while partnering with internal unions and external

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 5+ years with process control systems, instrumentation, sensors, valves, and supporting tech (HMIs, historians, digital networks, DCS).
• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, FactoryTalk View, Modicon 984 Ladder/Concept/Unity, Canary, and InTouch Standalone/System Platform.
• Working knowledge of processing and packaging machinery and project lifecycles; mechanical and electrical grounding.
• Familiarity with P&IDs and Loop Sheets preferred.
• Track record in rapid, agile, consumer-driven manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Build, test, and deploy PLC and HMI solutions that operators trust.
• Be the first call for technical coverage during normal and off-business hours to keep throughput and quality on target.
• Plan and deliver projects with internal union crafts and external partners, honoring all union notification processes.
• Advance reliability with disciplined root cause analysis, predictive maintenance, and failure-prevention tactics.
• Mentor operations and maintenance teams to grow site-wide technical strength.
• Apply engineering standards and best practices to projects, documentation, and change management.

Skills

Process control systems

Instrumentation

Sensors

Valves

HMIs

Historians

Digital networks

DCS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent hands-on experience

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

FactoryTalk View

Modicon 984 Ladder/Concept/Unity

Canary

InTouch Standalone/System Platform

Job description

Own the challenge. Elevate the process.What if your next line of code reduced downtime across an entire production line? At Philip Morris USA (PMUSA) in Richmond, VA, you will lead the automation that keeps Primary Processing running safely, reliably, and at the pace of consumer demand. As a Senior Controls Engineer I, you will translate data and insights into robust PLC logic, intuitive HMIs, and reliability strategies that drive measurable results.Your missionBe the first call for technical coverage during normal and off-business hours (including weekends/holidays) to keep throughput and quality on target.Build, test, and deploy PLC and HMI solutions that operators trust.Continuously improve control systems to expand capability and meet business demand.Use historian and process analytics to assess health and performance; bring Canary skills if you have them.Plan and deliver projects with internal union crafts and external partners, honoring all union notification processes.Advance reliability with disciplined root cause analysis, predictive maintenance, and failure-prevention tactics.Apply engineering standards and best practices to projects, documentation, and change management.Mentor operations and maintenance teams to grow site-wide technical strength.What success looks likeStable processes, fewer unplanned stops, and tighter control limitsClear, actionable HMIs that speed decisionsData-driven improvements prioritized by impactWell-executed projects with safe, timely start-upsTeammates who are stronger because you coached themQualifications you will needBachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent hands-on experience.5+ years with process control systems, instrumentation, sensors, valves, and supporting tech (HMIs, historians, digital networks, DCS).Experience with tools such as Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, FactoryTalk View, Modicon 984 Ladder/Concept/Unity, Canary, and InTouch Standalone/System Platform.Working knowledge of processing and packaging machinery and project lifecycles; mechanical and electrical grounding. Familiarity with P&IDs and Loop Sheets preferred.Track record in rapid, agile, consumer-driven manufacturing.Where you will make an impactRichmond Manufacturing Center, supporting Primary Processing operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.Grow hereWe develop leadership potential through training, development, and advancement opportunities so you can expand both your skills and your influence.Compensation and benefitsThe starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $91,500.00 - $128,850.00.Flexible and remote work options where available15 days PTO, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 37.5-hour workweekAnnual merit increases and performance bonus401(k) matching from day one; Deferred Profit Sharing contribution of 13%-17% of base salaryStudent loan repayment assistance and professional development stipendsComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coveragePaid parental and bonding leave; wellness programsPaid volunteer days and a culture that gives backAt Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.LegalThis position is not eligible for sponsorship.