Packaging Engineer

Eastman; Kingsport (TN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global specialty materials company in Kingsport seeks a Senior Packaging Engineer with over 10 years of experience in flexible packaging design. The role involves innovative development and technical leadership in sustainable paper-based packaging. Candidates should have deep expertise in materials science and extensive project leadership skills, supporting regulatory compliance and customer engagement. Remote work flexibility is considered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of industry experience in flexible packaging design and development.
• Deep technical understanding of paper substrates, coatings, and barrier technologies.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance for paper-based packaging.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on packaging properties and converting processes.
• Lead customer-facing projects on design and optimization of packaging structures.
• Drive innovation in sustainable paper packaging.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project leadership

Excellent communication skills

Sustainability principles knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Performance testing methodologies

Composite materials knowledge

Job description

Talent Acquisition Lead | Technology & Sourcing at Eastman

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 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Packaging Engineer with over 10 years of experience in the design and development of film- and paper-based flexible packaging solutions. This role demands deep technical knowledge of paper substrates, coatings, and sustainable barrier technologies, combined with strategic leadership to drive innovation, cost optimization, and environmental stewardship. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert, collaborating closely with R&D, marketing, sales teams, and customers to deliver high-performance, sustainable paper-based packaging that meets regulatory and market requirements. This position sits within Eastman’s technology organization and provides support for our Coatings business organization. The position reports through the Group Leader Coatings Applications Development and is part of a global team.

Location

Primarily seeking on‑site in Kingsport, TN, with openness to remote work arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on packaging properties, converting processes (e.g., extrusion coating, lamination, metallization, printing, filling, sealing), performance testing and application requirements specific to film and paper-based solutions.
• Lead customer‑facing projects regarding the design, development, and optimization of paper-based flexible packaging structures, including multi‑layer laminates incorporating paper substrates, coatings, and sustainable barrier materials.
• Drive innovation in sustainable paper packaging by evaluating new raw materials, bio‑based coatings, and recyclable/compostable barrier technologies.
• Develop and maintain detailed packaging specifications, technical documentation, and compliance requirements tailored to paper-based flexible packaging.
• Engage the packaging value chain to discover needs across multiple applications and prioritize opportunities for development work.
• Influence decision makers at customers to adopt new packaging solutions.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments related to paper‑based packaging and sustainability to inform strategic decisions.
• Partner with marketing and business development teams to deliver new business growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of industry experience in flexible packaging design and development, with both paper and film-based packaging materials and solutions required.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%, mainly within North America is required.
• Deep technical understanding of paper substrates, coatings, barrier technologies, and converting processes.
• Understanding of packaging requirements across different food packaging applications, including considerations for barrier, shelf life, regulatory compliance, and food safety.
• Proven expertise in packaging performance testing related to film and paper-based materials.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability principles, recyclable and compostable packaging standards, and regulatory compliance for paper-based packaging.
• Experience engaging multiple points along the packaging value chain is highly desired.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project leadership experience preferred including short‑term and long‑term project planning and participation on cross‑functional team.
• Self‑motivated and able to work both independently and as a team member with both internal and external partners.

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.

Seniority level Associate

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Engineering and Design

Industries Chemical Manufacturing