Machine Tool Trainee - January 2027

Eastman; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastman in Kingsport, TN, offers a 12-month Machinist trainee program designed for recent graduates or students nearing degree completion. The role provides hands-on learning in maintenance, assembly, and tooling with daily supervision and practical shop exposure.

You will support skilled craft workers, gain exposure to electrical equipment and instrumentation, and earn college credit toward an Associate of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology from NSCC, VHCC, or TCAT.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Recent graduate or enrolled and completed at least two semesters toward an Associates of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology from NSCC, VHCC or TCAT.
• Candidates must upload transcripts as proof of enrollment or degree.
• WorkKeys assessment: Graphic Literacy 4, Workplace Documents 4, Applied Mathematics 4.

Responsibilities

• Assist skilled craft workers with maintenance and repair tasks.
• Disassemble/assemble equipment for repair or maintenance.
• Serve as fitter/helper for welders.
• Operate shop equipment with proper training (band saw, drill press, grinder, lathe, milling machines).
• Read blueprints and shop sketches; use micrometers, dial calipers & indicators.
• Maintain housekeeping during and after maintenance tasks.
• Assist in electrical instrument installation, troubleshooting and routine calibrations.

Skills

Safety

Teamwork

Leadership

Dependability

Job knowledge

Learning speed

Output

Productivity

Education

HS Diploma or GED

AAS in Machine Tool Technology (NSCC)

Machinist I program (TCAT)

Machinist/ Precision Machining (VHCC)

AAS in Precision Machining (Mountain Empire)

Job description

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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, visitwww.eastman.com .

To be eligible, youMUSTbe a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2 years) of the following:

• Complete at least two semesters toward an A.A.S. with Northeast State Community College in Industrial Technology - Machine Tool or
• Complete the Precision Machining certificate program with Virginia Highlands Community College (Machinist Trainee Only) or
• Complete the Machinist Iat the Elizabethton - Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) or
• Complete at least two semesters toward an AAS with Mountain Empire Community College- Precision Machining

Candidates must upload transcripts as proof of enrollment or degree completion to be considered for this position.

Posting Dates:

This position will be posted until at least October 18th, 2026.

This program provides aone-yearopportunity for selected students to develop their knowledge and skills as a Machinist in an industrial setting.

• A trainee will receive college credit towards their Associate of Applied Science degree at NSCC, VHCC or TCAT for completion of this program
• Completion of this program is one of the requirements for consideration for possible future employment as an Eastman Machinist apprentice
• Upon completion of the Machinist trainee assignment the student will have been exposed to a variety of tools used to fabricate and repair various parts used in the manufacturing process at the Kingsport site
• The student will be closely supervised and mentored on a daily basis with the goal of providing a hands‑on learning environment
• The trainee program duration is 12 months.

Job Description/Responsibilities:

• Provide assistance to skilled craft workers in performance of maintenance and repair work assignments
• Assist in the disassembly/assembly of equipment for repair, cleaning or maintenance
• Serve as a fitter/helper for welders
• May perform a variety of routine assignments that do not require the training/experience of a skilled craft worker
• May operate shop equipment with proper training. (i.e., band saw, drill press, grinder, belt sander, lathe, milling machines)
• May cut or burn metals with close direction and supervision
• Perform basic shop math
• Read blueprints and shop sketches
• Utilize measuring tools such as micrometers, dial calipers and dial indicators
• Maintain housekeeping and cleanup during and after completion of maintenance work
• May perform other duties as required to ensure efficient completion of maintenance assignments, such as obtaining materials, parts or tools, operation of a lift truck or company vehicle, etc.
• Assist skilled craft workers in installation, troubleshooting and repair of electrical equipment and instrumentation where specialized training and experience is not required
• May assist in pulling electrical cable or other wiring, and other assignments of routine nature
• May perform routine instrument calibrations, including checking the instrument calibration and making routine calibrations such as zeroing the instrument or minor span adjustments
• Share the responsibility for managing team business within defined boundaries and guidelines
• Interact with others (team members, supervision, customers, etc.) in an empowering manner to share team leadership and establish and carry out appropriate team processes
• Trainees are evaluated on: Safety, teamwork, job knowledge, learning speed, leadership qualities, output, productivity and dependability

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must bea recent graduate (within the last 2 years)or be currently enrolled and completedat least two semesters toward an Associates of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology from NSCC, VHCC or have completed the Machinist I program at TCAT.
• Students completing their 2nd semester are eligible to apply.
• If currently enrolled as a student, the trainee must maintain good standing with their educational institution during the trainee program and/or until graduation.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate basic knowledge and skills by completing the ACT Workkeys assessment testing and attain required scores within 12 months of hire date.
  • Must achieve required WorkKeys scores as listed below.
    • Graphic Literacy - 4
    • Workplace Documents - 4
    • Applied Mathematics - 4
• To be considered for a future full-time position, following completion of Trainee assignment, the WorkKeys scores listed above must be achieved.
• Candidates must upload transcripts as proof of enrollment or degree (in the "Additional Documents" section of the application).

Other Qualifications/Requirements:

• HS Diploma or GED is required.
• Must have valid driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to perform the essential elements of the positions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must follow all safety procedures.
• Must wear company‑provided personal protective equipment: safety shoes, glasses with side shields & hard hats at all times in designated areas.
• Have a strong work ethic, demonstrating dependability, initiative & professional attitude.
• Must have clear, concise verbal & written communication skills.

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