Principal Manufacturing Engineer I

Altria Group, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

13 holidays

401(k) matching

Professional development stipends

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Parental leave

Job summary

US Smokeless Tobacco Co in Richmond, VA is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer I to support maintenance and engineering across a high-impact packaging facility. You will lead capital projects, develop electrical designs, and provide senior-level technical guidance in a multi-shift, FDA-regulated setting.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, 10+ years of experience, and strong project management skills within manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record in multiple-discipline engineering project management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with packaging equipment, vision systems, product traceability and MES systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute capital equipment and facility projects from concept through turnover.
• Develop electrical designs, specs, scopes of work, cost estimates, schedules, and implementation plans.
• Provide senior-level electrical engineering support and guidance across the group.
• Review vendor and OEM electrical designs for code compliance and maintainability.
• Serve as site SME for electrical equipment safety and compliance with codes and company requirements.
• Provide engineering oversight for electrical systems and hazard-area requirements.
• Support troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, reliability improvements, and lifecycle planning.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MES systems

Vision systems

Packaging equipment

Job description

Job Title: Principal Manufacturing Engineer I

Work Model: On-Site

Company: US Smokeless Tobacco Co

Job Description:

Together We Innovate. Together We Change.

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company is seeking a results driven Manufacturing Engineer to join our Packaging Engineering team in Richmond, VA.

As the Principal Manufacturing Engineer I, you will support Maintenance and Engineering operations across our high-impact packaging facility. You will ensure that operations, maintenance, safety, and cost objectives are consistently met in a multi-shift, 7-day operation within a highly regulated (FDA) environment.

What you will be doing:

• Lead and execute capital equipment and facility projects from concept development through design, installation, commissioning, qualification, and turnover.
• Develop electrical designs, specifications, scopes of work, cost estimates, schedules, and implementation plans that meet business, operational, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide senior-level electrical engineering support, design reviews, and technical guidance to engineers and project managers across the group.
• Review vendor and OEM electrical designs, drawings, calculations, equipment specifications, and submittals to verify technical quality, code compliance, maintainability, and alignment with site standards.
• Serve as the site subject-matter expert for electrical equipment safety and compliance with applicable electrical codes, standards, and company requirements.
• Provide technical leadership for facility electrical systems, including electrical distribution, power and controls infrastructure, grounding, hazardous-area requirements, and related utility systems.
• Provide engineering oversight and technical support for explosion suppression equipment and other asset-preservation systems that protect personnel, facilities, and manufacturing assets.
• Partner with Maintenance, Operations, Safety, Facilities, Procurement, and external engineering resources to resolve complex electrical issues, manage project risks, and deliver reliable, compliant solutions.
• Support troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, reliability improvements, and lifecycle planning for electrical equipment and facility systems.
• Establish and maintain electrical engineering standards, specifications, documentation, and technical practices for use across projects and the facility.
• Drive compliance with respect to fixed asset management
• Work within an integrated work system environment to grow and support continuous improvement culture and processes

What we want you to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record in multiple-discipline engineering project management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with packaging equipment, vision systems, product traceability and MES systems preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to safely perform the duties within a general office area and all areas of the manufacturing environment as well as have the ability to climb, crawl, kneel, and walk in manufacturing areas.

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: $119,600.00 - $173,450.00.

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, 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.