Together We Innovate. Together We Change.
Advance innovative oral nicotine products for next-generation reduced-harm solutions at a Fortune 500 company. Do you have a degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science, food science, pharmaceutical science, or a related discipline? Do you also bring experience in product development, formulation, applied research, or food/pharmaceutical processing? If so, we want to speak with you!
We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist - New Product Development - to join Altria’s Growth Org and Front-End Innovation Technical team in Richmond, Virginia. In this role, you will develop and optimize lab-scale processes, build and evaluate prototypes, and generate technical learnings that help advance early-stage oral nicotine concepts toward feasibility, regulatory readiness, and commercialization.
What you will be doing:
- Develop and optimize lab-scale processing approaches, including material handling and fabrication techniques, to translate early concepts into feasible product formats.
- Plan and execute rapid prototyping studies to build, test, and iterate oral nicotine concepts against targeted product performance attributes.
- Apply ingredient selection, controlled-release approaches, and materials processing techniques to develop product prototypes with targeted performance attributes.
- Perform analytical testing and material characterization to guide process adjustments and inform design iterations.
- Establish and sustain lab-scale equipment, workflows, and capabilities that support rapid prototyping and early feasibility assessments.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners and project teams to translate prototype learnings into technical recommendations and business decisions.
- Document process innovations, experimental learnings, and technical findings to support knowledge capture and intellectual property protection.
We want you to have:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science, food science, pharmaceutical science, or related discipline.
- Product development, formulation, or applied research experience: BS 4+ years, MS 2+ years, or PhD 0+ years.
- Hands-on experience with analytical testing, material characterization, and data interpretation for product or process development.
- Knowledge of food or pharmaceutical processing, formulation development, ingredient functionality, and experimental data analysis.
- Laboratory experience handling hazardous chemicals, including nicotine, with appropriate safety practices and controls highly preferred.
- Strong execution, collaboration, communication, and prioritization skills in a fast-moving technical project environment.
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 - $132,750.00.
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 connection and flexibility meet — enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration three days a week (Tuesday - Thursday), while maintaining the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Our hybrid approach empowers you to stay connected, collaborate with colleagues, and manage your schedule in a way that works best for you.
- 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.