Principal Mechanical Engineer I

Overview Want to provide mechanical engineering creativity, design, and implementation, from lab-scale to commercial-scale, as part of manufacturing process development group for a Fortune 200 Company with some of the most iconic brands? If you have a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering along with eight plus years of experience with hands on machine design and development, we want to speak with you! We are currently looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer I in Richmond, VA. What you will be doing: Developing manufacturing process machinery and new automation solutions from concept to pilot scale manufacturing for new products where no precedence exists Working with process engineering teams to design and develop equipment modifications to build new automation capabilities. Collaborating with multi-functional partners internally and externally to design innovative manufacturing equipment and production lines, and implementation plans that ensure high quality, cost efficient solutions Developing and implementing engineering design solutions to improve productivity and efficiency of operations at manufacturing facilities or RD&E Pilot Plants. Developing domain expertise on equipment with particular emphasis on mechanical components and process equipment. Providing hands-on problem-solving support to maintenance staff to quickly diagnose equipment, controls, and processing issues Ensuring all machine safety protocols are designed, installed and verified Planning and directing multiple small and medium sized projects for equipment installations and upgrades to existing processing equipment. Providing accurate and complete mechanical documentation to meet engineering standards and customer requirements Maintaining documentation on process and equipment systems such as user manuals, maintenance manuals, parts lists, etc. and participating in training of new craftspeople and technicians on the systems Performing IQ, OQ, PQ of unit operations for new manufacturing lines Engaging proactively with groups to ensure new equipment meets product requirements as well as customer expectations Ensuring all Financial, Legal and Regulatory Compliance requirements are met during equipment development activities Designing, detailing, procuring, assembling, and testing prototype concepts to deliver solutions to manufacturing challenges Working in lab, pilot, and manufacturing environments that require the use of personal protection equipment. We want you to have: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering 8+ years of hands-on mechanical design and experience with conceptualizing and designing new/custom equipment and/or modifications to existing equipment. Passion for engineering with a concentration on manufacturing equipment and processes. Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to deliver formal presentations to senior management. Strong root cause analysis, analytical and troubleshooting abilities High degree of creativity, abstract thinking ability, systems thinking and ability to analyze cause and effect relations Project management skills and tools to run and track development projects, budgets, and timelines Advanced knowledge of Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks and other similar parametric modeling software, including the ability to create 3D CAD models/assemblies, parts lists and Bill of Materials (BOM’s), 2D manufacturing prints with Geometric Design and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements. High level of understanding of modern electromechanical and pneumatic equipment systems Experience with mixing systems (liquids and powders), vacuum pumps, compressors, heater / chillers, CIP systems. Experience operating production equipment, such as product making and product packaging equipment Understanding of mechanical component manufacturing processes such as milling operations, lathe operations, EDM technology, water jet cutting, laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, welding technology, surface finishes and coatings, and heat treating of metals. Understanding of fasteners (both metric and imperial), metal selection for design, as well as performance plastics Knowledge of the type and use of hand tools, measuring tools, and mechanical assembly methods Working knowledge of processes within an FDA regulated manufacturing environment Sanitary equipment design knowledge Experience in heat transfer systems Experience in web handling desired Positive growth mentality and the skills for innovation. The ability to travel domestically and internationally to support project initiatives In addition to the opportunity to apply and develop your skills toward key business objectives, we offer an excellent compensation package including a competitive base salary, comprehensive health/vision/dental insurance, participation in our deferred profit sharing and incentive compensation programs as well as a relocation assistance package. STEM Sponsorship Immigration Sponsorship is not available for this role. Company Overview Altria has a leading portfolio of tobacco products for U.S. tobacco consumers 21+. Our tobacco companies – which have been the undisputed market leaders in the U.S. tobacco industry for decades – include some of the most enduring names in American business. In combustibles, we own Philip Morris USA, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes and John Middleton, manufacturer of Black & Mild cigars. Our smoke-free portfolio includes ownership of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, the maker of Copenhagen and Skoal, and Helix Innovations, the maker of on! oral nicotine pouches. Additionally, we have a majority-owned joint venture with JT Group, Horizon Innovations, for the U.S. marketing and commercialization of heated tobacco stick products. Through a separate agreement with Philip Morris International, we have the exclusive U.S. commercialization rights to the IQOS* Tobacco Heating System® and Marlboro HeatSticks® through April 2024. Our equity investments include Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, the world’s largest brewer and Cronos Group, a leading Canadian cannabinoid company. 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. Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn