Application Development Representative

Eastman Chemical Company; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 105,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking an Application Development Representative to execute portfolios of innovative product solutions within Eastman's Filter Products, with a focus on sustainability and reducing risk. The role is onsite at Eastman's Kingsport, TN headquarters and involves gathering insights on the tobacco industry to grow sales for Fibers customers.

You will design experiments, manage multinational customer relationships, navigate regulatory trends, and contribute to IP activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field is required.
• PhD is preferred.
• 5+ years of industry experience in polymer formulation and translating fundamentals into commercial-scale products.
• Hands-on experience with polymer testing, polymer processing, and interpretation of results.
• Strong technical skillset with relational aptitude and cross-functional communication.
• Solid understanding of polymer structure–property relationships and how formulation and processing influence end-use properties.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present results to cross-functional teams and customers.
• Proven commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support market-facing technical projects; define milestones, risks and mitigation plans and enable advancement of projects led by others.
• Design and execute application- and formulation-specific experiments to develop understanding of filter tow applications, processing performance, and end-use properties.
• Independently manage relationships within large multinational customers, helping to identify problems and coordinate solutions.
• Understand and respond to pending regulatory concerns and trends to maintain Eastman's position.
• Guide improvement of Eastman's laboratory capabilities to support objectives.
• Support pilot and scale-up trials; troubleshoot processing challenges and recommend robust, safe operating conditions and continual improvements.
• Create and protect innovative solutions via patent disclosures and support IP activities.
• Utilize oral and written communication to influence internal and external partners and report technical findings.
• Grow Eastman’s credibility as an innovator through participation in industry organizations.
• Apply and promote rigorous safety and environmental practices.

Skills

Polymer testing

Polymer processing

Communication

Safety & compliance

Relational aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science/Engineering

PhD preferred

Job description

Overview

Application Development Representative at Eastman Chemical Company. Execute portfolios of innovative product solutions within Eastman\'s Filter Products, with a focus on sustainability and reducing risk. Role requires gathering and applying insights on the tobacco industry and customer organizations to grow sales to Fibers customers. Onsite at Eastman\'s headquarters in Kingsport, TN.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support market-facing technical projects; define technical milestones, risks and mitigation plans and enable advancement of projects led by others.
• Design and execute application- and formulation-specific experiments to develop fundamental understanding of filter tow applications, processing performance, and end-use properties.
• Independently manage relationships within large multinational customers, helping to identify problems and coordinate solutions.
• Understand and respond to pending regulatory concerns and trends to maintain Eastman\'s strong industry position.
• Guide improvement of Eastman\'s laboratory capabilities to support objectives.
• Support pilot and scale-up trials; troubleshoot processing challenges and recommend robust, safe operating conditions and continual improvements.
• Create and protect innovative solutions via patent disclosures and support intellectual property activities.
• Utilize oral and written communication to influence internal and external partners and report technical findings.
• Grow Eastman\'s credibility as an innovator through participation in industry organizations (e.g., committees, conference presentations).
• Apply and promote rigorous safety and environmental practices: lead hazard assessments, ensure compliant handling and disposal of materials, and support safety programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field required; PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of industry experience; experience translating polymer formulation fundamentals into commercial-scale products highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with polymer testing, polymer processing, and interpretation of results.
• Strong technical skillset paired with relational aptitude.
• Solid understanding of polymer structure–property relationships and how formulation and processing influence end-use properties.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present results to cross-functional teams and customers.
• Proven commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

• Experience in design, processability, and structure–properties of cellulose esters.
• Track record of patent filings or published technical reports or journal articles.
• Experience running customer application trials and translating feedback into product designs.
• Experience across multiple technical, customer support, and business functions.

Other Information

• Occasional travel up to 15% may be required.

Benefits and Compensation

Your total rewards include a competitive salary and a suite of programs designed to protect health, grow wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives: Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities.

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage with a Health Savings Account option; voluntary benefits including vision, life, and more; and wellness resources.

Retirement & Financial Strategies: 401(k) with company match and additional retirement contributions.

Time Away: Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and vacation.

Growth & Development: Mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs.

Eastman is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics as designated by law.

Additional Details

Nearest Major Market: Asheville. Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville. Job Segments: Chemical Engineer, R&D Engineer, Chemical Research, Application Developer, Patent, Engineering, Technology, Legal.