Mechanical Utilities Engineer

Eastman Chemical Company; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a Mechanical Utilities Engineer to provide SME support for global manufacturing plants. Responsibilities cover steam, cooling water, plant air, and related utility systems, plus equipment like boilers, chillers, and heat exchangers.

You will lead design work, participate in capital planning, and oversee installation, commissioning, and validation of mechanical utility systems while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 2+ years relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of hydronic systems, steam systems, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, piping and valve selection, and heat transfer fundamentals.
• Proficiency with engineering tools and software: AutoCAD (preferred), SolidWorks (as applicable), hydraulic/piping calculation tools, simulation tools (e.g., KYPipe, TRACE, FluidFlow3), and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with automation and controls basics (DCS/BMS/PLC) and integration of mechanical systems with building or plant control systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing specifications, reports, and drawings.
• Able to work safely in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces following safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support and troubleshooting for plant processes and utilities to minimize downtime and maintain production continuity.
• Implement and manage preventative maintenance strategies and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) for utility assets.
• Perform energy and sustainability analyses; identify, quantify, and implement energy savings and heat-recovery opportunities.
• Prepare engineering calculations, P&IDs, isometrics, equipment datasheets, schematic drawings, load profiles, and material lists.
• Provide engineering assessment of utilities connection requests.
• Lead design and technical specification of mechanical utility systems for new construction, renovations, and plant upgrades, including sizing and selection of boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, piping, valves, and control systems.
• Support capital planning: provide lifecycle cost estimates, ROI, risk assessments, and budgetary forecasts.
• Support procurement: develop bid packages, evaluate vendor submittals, and perform technical vendor reviews.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of mechanical utility systems; develop testing protocols and witness FAT/SAT.
• Ensure compliance with codes, standards, environmental permits, and safety requirements (ASME, NFPA, ASHRAE, local plumbing and mechanical codes, OSHA).
• Manage and update sitewide utilities standards
• Mentor junior engineers, operators and technicians; lead training for system operation and emergency procedures.

Skills

Hydronic systems

Steam systems

Boilers

Chillers

Pumps

Piping & valves selection

Heat transfer fundamentals

DCS/BMS/PLC basics

Strong communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Closely related engineering discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

hydraulic/piping calculation tools

simulation tools (KYPipe, TRACE, FluidFlow3)

Job description

Mechanical Utilities Engineer

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.

Role:

As a Mechanical Utilities Engineer within our Worldwide Engineering and Construction (WWE&C) division, you will provide subject matter expert engineering support for Eastman manufacturing plants worldwide. Projects consist of small, fast-paced requests to large, long-range capital projects and study jobs. You will provide support for the Capital Program, Plant Engineering and Utilities Power Distribution. This role will cover a broad range of utility systems; steam, cooling water, plant air, instrument air, refrigeration, etc. as well as equipment; air compressors, burners, cooling towers, thermal oxidizers, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Provide operational support and troubleshooting for plant processes and utilities to minimize downtime and maintain production continuity.
• Implement and manage preventative maintenance strategies and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) for utility assets.
• Perform energy and sustainability analyses; identify, quantify, and implement energy savings and heat-recovery opportunities.
• Prepare engineering calculations, P&IDs, isometrics, equipment datasheets, schematic drawings, load profiles, and material lists.
• Provide engineering assessment of utilities connection requests.
• Lead design and technical specification of mechanical utility systems for new construction, renovations, and plant upgrades, including sizing and selection of boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, piping, valves, and control systems.
• Support capital planning: provide lifecycle cost estimates, ROI, risk assessments, and budgetary forecasts.
• Support procurement: develop bid packages, evaluate vendor submittals, and perform technical vendor reviews.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of mechanical utility systems; develop testing protocols and witness FAT/SAT (Factory/Site Acceptance Testing).
• Ensure compliance with codes, standards, environmental permits, and safety requirements (ASME, NFPA, ASHRAE, local plumbing and mechanical codes, OSHA).
• Manage and update sitewide utilities standards
• Mentor junior engineers, operators and technicians; lead training for system operation and emergency procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline.
• 2+ years relevant professional experience
• Knowledge of hydronic systems, steam systems, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, piping and valve selection, and heat transfer fundamentals.
• Knowledge of compressed air systems, nitrogen generation, and chilled or process-water glycol systems.
• Proficiency with engineering tools and software: AutoCAD (preferred), SolidWorks (as applicable), hydraulic/piping calculation tools, simulation tools (e.g., KYPipe, TRACE, FluidFlow3), and Microsoft Office.Hands-on experience with commissioning, startup testing, troubleshooting and field support.
• Familiarity with automation and controls basics (DCS/BMS/PLC) and integration of mechanical systems with building or plant control systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing specifications, reports, and drawings.
• Able to work safely in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces following safety protocols.

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

Job Segment: Thermal Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Construction, Manufacturing Engineer, HVAC, Engineering, Operations