Senior Blender II (Senior Engineer II)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Paid holidays and PTO

Relocation benefits

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Annual bonus and 401(k) matching

Job summary

Altria is seeking a Senior Blender II to lead technical efforts across our smokeable product portfolio in Richmond, VA. The role focuses on leaf procurement, blend formulation, and sensory evaluation, providing strategic direction and cross‑functional leadership.

The ideal candidate has at least eight years of experience in leaf procurement and processing, deep tobacco knowledge, and strong project management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Engineering or related Science field preferred.
• Minimum eight years in leaf procurement, leaf grading, leaf processing, blend formulation and subjective smoking of leaf blends and grades.
• Expert knowledge of tobacco types and sensorial characteristics; familiarity with tobacco processing, product design, tobaccos and flavor interactions.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams and suppliers.
• Ability to convey complex technical information to Senior Management.
• Willingness to participate in sensory evaluation of tobacco grades and blends.
• Able to work in manufacturing environments and wear protective equipment when required.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and flexibility.
• Advanced knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects providing technical expertise to advance product development and manufacturing capabilities.
• Support continuous improvement to enhance product quality and process performance while reducing manufacturing complexity.
• Provide direction and oversight in creating and maintaining tobacco blend formulas.
• Lead sensorial evaluation of tobacco grades, blends, and product specifications.
• Provide leaf blend expertise in agricultural projects, tobacco purchasing, processing requirements, inspections, and evaluations.
• Ensure blend integrity and compliance through leaf utilization strategies.
• Conduct scientific studies, evaluations, and product assessments.
• Analyze data to support project decisions and recommendations.
• Assist with product development, testing, and commercialization activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional project activities and provide technical leadership on tobacco blends and process specs.
• Lead documentation and maintenance of processing procedures to meet regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leaf procurement

Leaf processing

Blend formulation

Sensorial evaluation

Project management

Communication

Quality by Design

Microsoft Office

SAP

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Engineering or related Science

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you passionate about creating products that make it from concept to commercialization? Do you enjoy solving technical challenges, working collaboratively across disciplines, and continuously learning in a dynamic environment?

Join our Commercial Product Platform Development (CPPD) team as a Senior Blender II (Senior Engineer II) and contribute to the future of smokeable product innovation.

This position is an on-site position that supports Product Development and our Manufacturing Operations in RIchmond, VA. Relocation benefits will be provided. This individual will support the development and improvements for our existing and new products. The successful candidate will work with Leaf Blenders, Flavorists and Tobacco Processing to develop and maintain our portfolio of cigarette and cigar products.

What you will be doing:

• Lead projects providing technical expertise that advance product development and manufacturing capabilities across our smokeable product portfolio.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality and process performance while minimizing complexity in manufacturing.
• Provides direction, technical expertise, and approval oversight in the creation and maintenance of tobacco blend formulas for the Company's tobacco products.
• Provides technical leadership on the sensorial characteristics of tobacco grades, component blends, specification changes, final products, and non-conforming products as a member of the Product Development evaluation panels.
• Provides technical leadership and leaf blend expertise in agricultural projects, tobacco purchasing, tobacco processing requirements, inspections, and physical and sensorial evaluations.
• Assures blend integrity and compliance is maintained through the development of leaf utilization strategies that provide direction to Leaf Procurement.
• Conduct scientific studies, technical evaluations, and product assessments
• Analyze and interpret data to support project decisions and recommendations
• Assist with product development, testing, and commercialization activities
• Plan and coordinate project activities with cross-functional teams while providing technical expertise and leadership in the creation and maintenance of tobacco blends and process specifications for new and existing products.
• Leads the proper documentation, creation and maintenance of processing procedures and specifications in support of legal and regulatory requirements.

We want you to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Engineering or related Science field is preferred.
• Must possess a minimum of eight years of experience in leaf procurement, leaf grading, leaf processing, blend formulation and subjective smoking of leaf blends and grades. Experience in primary/make-pack manufacturing is preferred.
• Must have expert knowledge of tobacco types and their sensorial characteristics. An in-depth knowledge of tobacco processing, product design, tobacco, casings and flavor interactions is preferred.
• Must possess strong strategic planning and project management skills.
• Must have great interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse group of people and teams across the organization as well as suppliers.
• Must be able to effectively convey complex technical information to different audiences including Senior Management.
• Must be willing to participate in the sensory evaluation of tobacco grades and blends.
• Must be able to perform the duties of a general office environment, however, on occasion may need to stand, walk or climb ladders and wear protective equipment required of manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivation and direction, high initiative and flexibility
• Advanced knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Office, SAP
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally to support business objectives
• Demonstrated understanding of how QMS (Quality Management System) integrates into Product Development processes
• Working knowledge of Quality by Design (QbD) processes and concepts

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:

• 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.