Electrical Engineer - Distribution Services

Eastman Industrial Supply, Inc.; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastman invites an Electrical Engineer to join Distribution Services in Kingsport, TN, supporting 24/7 utility operations. You will design, install, commission, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain control systems (PLC/DCS) across refrigeration, water, air, and process systems.

You will collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance while driving improvements and capital projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• 5+ years of engineering experience preferred.
• PE License preferred.
• Experience with utility systems and capital projects is preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Safety-focused with ability to drive progress across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and project coordination for 24/7 operations in Distribution Services.
• Design, install, operate, control, troubleshoot, and maintain utility systems.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and manufacturing leaders on projects.
• Lead or support capital projects, reliability and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Field support during upset conditions and system improvements.

Skills

PLC & DCS control systems

P&IDs & drawings

Electrical engineering

Project coordination

Safety mindset

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

PE License preferred

Tools

SIEGA

PI

SharePoint

Job description

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Electrical Engineer - Distribution Services

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com .

Responsibilities

The role: Provide technical support and project coordination for ongoing 24/7 operations in Distribution Services (DS) Department, Utilities Division. This individual will utilize a broad range of engineering skills for design, installation, operation, control, troubleshooting, maintenance, and compliance to TNO utility systems. Primary utility systems operated in Distribution Services include:

• Refrigeration systems supplying chilled water, glycol, and brine for processing cooling/air conditioning.
• Water systems, including river water, filtered water, deionized boiler feedwater, and condensate return systems.
• Compressed air systems supplying plant air, instrument air, and process air.
• Hot oil furnaces supporting Polymers Mfg.
• Third‑party utilities, such as nitrogen, natural/inert gas, and water.
• Distribution networks for steam, air, natural gas, nitrogen, cooling water, and firewater.

Zero Incident Mindset: Candidate must complete all assigned duties in a safe manner.

Function well in team environment and be effective working with people in all layers of the organization.

• Projects often address needs identified by operators/mechanics; develop strong positive relationships with operations in DS and Utilities Maintenance.
• Successful execution requires collaboration between operations, maintenance, and manufacturing leaders in Plant and Process Engineering; project managers/engineers, construction; contract engineering and craft labor.
• Successful candidates will have a demonstrated track record of initiative; the ability to remain calm in stressful situations and help colleagues remain calm.

Projects will typically involve troubleshooting & improvements for systems; design, installation, commissioning of new systems including operation, maintenance and/or ongoing improvements. This role will be largely, focused on controls control systems.

• Projects may include engineering studies, equipment / instrument specification/selection, capital project support, project estimating, technical field support, project scope documentation, projects to demonstrate & maintain regulatory compliance, and coordination with other areas.
• Projects will be oriented toward improving safety, compliance reliability, and/or efficiency of equipment or systems.
• Project portfolio will typically include a mix of MOCs, capital projects, reliability, testing & trials to support to compliance with environmental regulations, and real-time troubleshooting.
• Field support of operators when systems are in upset conditions or don't perform as intended.

Electrical engineering experience, including PLC and DCS control systems, motors, and instrumentation. An understanding of steam/power generation, water chemistry, mechanical integrity, refrigeration and heat transfer, steam distribution, compressors, pumps, HVAC and condensate collection is a plus.

• Familiarity with P&IDs, single lines, elementaries, and equipment drawings; working knowledge of field notes for underground systems is a plus.
• Candidate must be able to use digital tools such as SIEGA, PI, SharePoint in addition to Microsoft suite.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering from accredited college or university required. Other engineering degrees may be considered depending on experience.
• 5+ years of engineering experience preferred
• PE License preferred
• Experience with utility systems, multidisciplinary project management, capital projects, maintenance, and/or construction is preferred
• Good people and communications skills, with the ability to work with a diverse team across multiple levels of the organization
• Safety focus with a strong orientation toward improving the long-term viability ofthe teams & systems underpinning site operations
• Self‑motivated and persistent
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and drive progress on multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to make decisions under uncertainty and drive projects to completion with minimal guidance

Note

Eastman will not accept applicants for this offered position who require visa sponsorship, including those whose status is F-1 visa OPT who subsequently would require ongoing visa sponsorship.

Eastman is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville