PhD Chemical Engineer

Eastman; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health & dental coverage

Paid holidays & PTO

Mentorship & development programs

Job summary

Eastman in Kingsport, TN is seeking a PhD graduate in Chemical Engineering to join the Technology organization for product and process development. The role spans from process upgrades to new technology supporting existing and new manufacturing processes.

You will design catalyst evaluation campaigns, develop process concepts, and lead multidisciplinary teams while collaborating with chemists, technicians, and engineers. Emphasis on safe operations and clear communication across stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Knowledge of polymer and/or small molecule process technology or potential.
• Safe execution of lab processes and hazard awareness.
• Ability to lead and work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across stakeholders.
• Desire to collaborate with technicians and management.

Responsibilities

• Solve problems to deliver breakthrough processes and/or products.
• Plan and execute catalyst evaluation campaigns to measure activity, selectivity, conversion, stability, and deactivation.
• Develop process concepts and models for production of new products from proposed chemistry routes.
• Apply engineering and scientific fundamentals to new areas of interest.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Collaborate with chemists, technicians, technologists and engineers to run experiments.
• Promote safe work environment and identify hazards.
• Communicate ideas and results to technology, business, and manufacturing stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Multidisciplinary teams

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Heterogeneous catalysis

Reaction engineering

Related field

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. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com .

Responsibilities

**Please note – This posting is for recent or upcoming PhD graduates to join our team in 2027. PhD graduation date must be in 2026 or anticipated graduation in 2027**

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate in Chemical Engineering to join the Technology organization in Kingsport, Tennessee.This individual will become an integral member of multiple product and process development teams, ranging in scope from process upgrades to development of new process technology supporting existing and new manufacturing processes.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Utilize expertise and fundamental knowledge to solve problems and deliver breakthrough processes and/or products
• Design, plan and execute catalyst evaluation campaigns to measure activity, selectivity, conversion, stability, and deactivation under relevant process conditions.
• Develop process concepts and models for the production of new products based on proposed chemistry routes and early laboratory data
• Apply engineering and scientific fundamentals to existing and new areas of interest
• Actively participate in and lead multidisciplinary project teams
• Collaborate with laboratory chemists, technicians, technologists and engineers to execute laboratory and pilot plant experiments
• Work safely and promote a safe work environment
• Identify innovative solutions to improve economic viability of new processes/products
• Effectively communicate ideas and results verbally and in writing with technology, business, and manufacturing stakeholders

Qualifications

• Required Degree: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Reaction Engineering, or related field.
• Fundamental knowledge of polymer and/or small molecule process technology or have a high potential to develop this level of expertise
• Safe execution of all laboratory processes with demonstrated ability to effectively identify hazards associated with processes being explored and take appropriate actions
• Ability to lead and contribute as a member of multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work independently
• Highly motivated to achieve results and move projects forward at an efficient pace
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarize data and effectively present key messages across the technical enterprise, as well as various groups such as marketing, manufacturing, regulatory, QA/QC, supply chain, customer service, sales and external customers and suppliers
• Desire to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management and to collaborate to find innovative solutions

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives

• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
• A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies

• 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

Time Away

• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.

Growth & Development

• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

At Eastman, we invest in the whole you—so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you’re proud of.

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 powerfully engagedworkplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville