Materials Engineer

Eastman; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastman is seeking a Materials Engineer to support its Worldwide Engineering & Construction group. You will provide expert corrosion studies, failure analyses, and materials selection for global manufacturing facilities.

The role involves RBI support, asset integrity, and collaboration with multiple plants worldwide to design corrosion monitoring plans and ensure robust materials use across capital projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Materials, Materials Science, Metallurgical, Welding, Corrosion Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years hands-on experience with corrosion, failure analysis, metallurgy and asset integrity.

Responsibilities

• Perform corrosion studies and failure analyses to support plant operations.
• Contribute to RBI and asset integrity programs across global facilities.
• Support capital projects by choosing materials of construction for new equipment.
• Coordinate materials lab work and design corrosion/compatibility tests.
• Liaise with manufacturing plants worldwide to ensure sound materials choices.

Skills

Corrosion analysis

Failure analysis

Metallography

Non-destructive testing

Materials selection

Microstructure evaluation

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Materials/Metals/Corrosion Engineering

Tools

Metallography equipment

Microscopy

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

The Materials Engineer position supporting Eastman’s Worldwide Engineering & Construction (WWE&C) provides subject matter expert engineering support for Eastman manufacturing facilities worldwide. Projects range from small, fast-paced requests to large, long-range capital projects and study jobs. This person will support the Capital Program, Plant Engineering, Maintenance, Risk Basked Inspection, Asset Integrity, and Construction efforts as they pertain to materials.

• Provide subject matter expertise to support plant operations by conducting corrosion studies, root-cause failure analysis, metallography/microstructure analyses, equipment inspections, and materials of construction designs among other materials-related project work.
• Support work related to Risk Based Inspection (RBI) and other asset integrity programs.
• Support multiple manufacturing plants around the globe.
• Responsible for supporting capital projects by selecting materials of construction for new plants/equipment and designing corrosion monitoring plans.
• Coordinate materials laboratory work and design corrosion/compatibility tests to support failure analysis investigations, proper materials selection, and corrosion control methods.
• A knowledge of corrosion, failure analysis, metallic and non-metallic materials of construction and microstructures, non-destructive testing and evaluation methods, welding and fabrication techniques, heat treating, the application of materials-related standards and codes, RBI methodology, coatings, chemical process equipment, and process design is valued and highly desired in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Materials, Materials Science, Metallurgical, Welding, Corrosion Engineering, or related educational background and experience required.
• 5 yrs or more experience with hands-on work related to corrosion, failure analysis, metallurgy, asset integrity, fabrication of metallic alloys, and non-metallic materials experience is preferred.
• Possess capability to apply educational experience related to materials (metallic and nonmetallic), corrosion, fabrication, and inspection to difficult Materials Engineering problems in an industrial environment.
• Self‑motivated individual with a strong willingness to continue learning through fast‑paced Chemical Process Industry projects.
• Experience with metallography, microscopy, failure analysis, mechanical testing, corrosion testing, and other metal and non‑metal material evaluation.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, visualization, and hands‑on experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment.

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 Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman 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