Senior Industrial Automation Controls Architect

100Hires, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 days paid time off

13 paid holidays

2 floating holidays

401(k) match

Deferred Profit Sharing

Student loan repayment assistance

Professional development stipends

Medical, dental, vision

Paid parental leave

Volunteer days

Job summary

Altria is seeking a senior controls leader to operate in the Richmond area, partnering with Manufacturing and Processing operations, Maintenance and Engineering. You’ll provide second-tier tech support, resolve factory system issues, and assist in installation/commissioning of new equipment.

You will troubleshoot and optimize PLC-based systems, drive reliability and predictive maintenance, analyze process data, and lead cross-functional technical efforts with strong leadership and communication

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in engineering.
• 6–8+ years in manufacturing with factory controls support and PLC troubleshooting.
• Strong preference for experience with Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix, drives and servo controllers; Beckhoff platforms; vision systems; FactoryTalk View & AssetCentre; barcode readers.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and optimize process and packing equipment, including customized machinery and new product platforms.
• Drive reliability initiatives via root cause analysis and predictive maintenance.
• Analyze data and performance for PLC assets using trending and analytics tools.
• Implement control system enhancements to meet specs and demand.
• Apply structured problem-solving to improve methods, processes, docs, systems and equipment.
• Contribute to cross-functional programs needing expert technical coordination.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

ControlLogix

Servo controllers

Beckhoff PLC

Vision systems

FactoryTalk View

AssetCentre

Barcode readers

Strong leadership

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Allen-Bradley drives

Beckhoff PLC platforms

Job description

Shape the heartbeat of modern manufacturingPicture starting your day on the floor at U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) in Richmond, VA. A packaging cell throws an intermittent fault. You dive into ControlLogix trends, pinpoint a signal conditioning issue, and deploy a refined control strategy. By afternoon, you’re coaching maintenance on predictive approaches, and later, you’re validating a new servo-driven module for an upcoming product platform. That blend of hands-on problem solving, system design, and leadership is what this role is all about.The roleAs a senior controls leader embedded in the Richmond area, you’ll partner closely with Manufacturing and Processing operations, as well as Maintenance and Engineering teams. You’ll provide second-tier technical support, resolve factory system and equipment issues, and bring expertise to the installation and commissioning of new equipment.What you will accomplishTroubleshoot and optimize process and packing equipment, including customized machinery and new product platform technologies.Drive reliability initiatives through root cause analysis, predictive maintenance, and failure prevention strategies to ensure dependable operations.Analyze process data and equipment performance for PLC-controlled assets, leveraging trending and analytics tools to assess system health.Design and implement control system enhancements that elevate process capability and align with product specifications and business demand.Apply structured problem-solving to improve methods, processes, documentation, systems, and equipment.Contribute to major cross-functional programs requiring expert technical coordination.What you bringUndergraduate degree in an engineering field.6–8+ years in manufacturing with proven factory controls support and hands-on troubleshooting of PLCs/machine controls.Strongly preferred experience: Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix; Allen‑Bradley drives and servo controllers; Beckhoff PLC platforms; vision systems; FactoryTalk View and AssetCentre; barcode readers.Comfort thriving in a fast-paced manufacturing setting; excellent communication and leadership skills.Willingness to provide technical support during normal and off-business hours (including weekends/holidays) to meet operational needs.CompensationThe starting salary is based on, but not limited to, experience, knowledge, and qualifications. Salary range: $104,900.00 – $152,150.00.Why you’ll love building your career at AltriaOwn your time — 15 days of paid time off to start, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and a 37.5‑hour workweek.Belonging and impact — your ideas are welcomed, your growth encouraged, and your work truly matters.Recognition — annual merit increases and a performance bonus program.Future-ready finances — 401(k) match from day one, plus Deferred Profit Sharing with an annual company contribution of 13%–17% of base salary.Goal support — student loan repayment assistance, conference attendance, and professional development stipends.Comprehensive coverage — medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family.Life moments — paid parental and bonding leave.Whole‑person wellness — programs that support you at every stage of life.Give back — paid volunteer days and a culture committed to community impact.At 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.