Shape the heartbeat of manufacturing automation in Richmond, VA
Picture your morning at the Richmond Manufacturing Center (Primary Processing) with Philip Morris USA: you review overnight process data trends in Canary, spot an anomaly before production ramps up, and push a focused PLC logic tweak that keeps quality on-spec. By mid-morning, you are shoulder-to-shoulder with maintenance, coordinating union craft support to bring a new control panel online. In the afternoon, you deploy an HMI enhancement in FactoryTalk View that gives operators clearer insight, then close the day mentoring a technician through a root cause analysis on a tricky sensor drift.
As a Senior Controls Engineer I, you will be the go-to technical leader who ensures reliable, capable, and continuously improving process control across primary processing. You will balance hands-on troubleshooting with thoughtful engineering that delivers long-term stability and performance.
What you will do
- Deliver technical coverage during normal and off-business hours (including weekends and holidays) so production goals stay on track.
- Design, code, test, and maintain PLC logic and create intuitive HMI visualizations.
- Deploy targeted control system upgrades that raise capability and throughput while safeguarding product quality.
- Mine process data to assess health and performance; Canary expertise is a plus.
- Plan and execute projects using internal union labor and external partners; act in line with union notification protocols.
- Advance reliability through root cause analysis, predictive strategies, and failure prevention.
- Apply engineering standards and best practices to projects and daily improvements.
- Use structured problem-solving to elevate methods, processes, documentation, and equipment.
- Coach peers, operations, and maintenance on automation and controls topics.
What you bring
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent proven experience.
- 5+ years supporting process control systems, instrumentation, sensors, valves, and related software/hardware (HMIs, historians, digital networks, DCS).
- Hands-on experience with some of: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, FactoryTalk View, Modicon 984 Ladder/Concept/Unity, Canary, InTouch Standalone and System Platform.
- Working knowledge of processing and packaging equipment, project execution, and both mechanical and electrical systems; familiarity with P&IDs and Loop Sheets is preferred.
- Background in fast-paced, agile, consumer-driven manufacturing.
Where you will work
Philip Morris USA (PMUSA) at the Richmond Manufacturing Center supporting Primary Processing operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
Growth and development
At Philip Morris USA, people power our performance. Expect ongoing training, development, and advancement opportunities that help you lead and grow your impact.
Compensation
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: $91,500.00 - $128,850.00.
Benefits that fit your life
- Work where life works for you with flexible and remote options.
- Own your time with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and a 37.5-hour workweek.
- A place where you belong, your ideas are welcomed, growth is encouraged, and impact is real.
- Get recognized for your work with annual merit increases and a performance bonus.
- A future you can count on with 401(k) matching from day one, plus Deferred Profit Sharing (an annual company contribution equal to 13%-17% of base salary).
- Help with your goals through student loan repayment assistance, conference attendance, and professional development stipends.
- Support for what matters most with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Celebrating your milestones with paid parental and bonding leave.
- Wellness that goes beyond work with programs for your whole well-being.
- A culture that gives back with 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.
Legal
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.