PhD Chemical Engineer - Pulp and Paper Science

Eastman Chemical Company; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a PhD Chemical Engineer with emphasis on Paper and Pulp Science for a leadership role in Kingsport, Tennessee. You will guide product development, pilot plant operations, and process scaleup across multiple facilities, collaborating with R&D, manufacturing, and business teams.

The position requires hands-on fiber chemistry expertise, esterification/polymer knowledge, and strong data-driven problem solving.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field focusing on Paper and Pulp Technology.
• Strong commitment to safe operation in lab and pilot settings.
• Working knowledge of paper and pulp, polymer esters, or related chemical process technology.
• Experience in fiber chemistry, product development, or process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and scaleup of cellulose ester products and processes across lab, pilot plant, and full-scale manufacturing environments.
• Apply engineering and chemistry fundamentals to improve reaction systems, optimize assets, and drive step-change operational performance.
• Design and execute plant trials, experiments, and capability studies to reduce raw material usage, improve yield, enhance quality, and increase capacity.
• Lead pilot plant campaigns, new equipment commissioning, and scaleup programs across multiple business areas.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, technicians, and business teams to advance new product and process initiatives.
• Use statistical analysis, Six Sigma tools, and data-driven insights to identify opportunities and deliver measurable improvements.
• Communicate technical strategies, experimental results, and recommendations to technology, manufacturing, business, and leadership stakeholders.
• Promote and model strong safety practices in all laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing activities.

Skills

Fiber chemistry

Process optimization

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with emphasis on Paper and Pulp Technology

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Job description

PhD Chemical Engineer - Pulp and Paper Science

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, visit www.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 with emphasis on Paper and Pulp science. This role is based in Kingsport, Tennessee and will play a critical technical leadership role across product development, pilot plant operations, manufacturing support, and process scaleup.

This position is ideal for candidates with substantial handson experience in cellulose ester chemistry, pulping or paper machine operations, fiber modification, coated paper development, sustainable packaging, or mill process optimization.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead development and scaleup of cellulose ester products and processes across lab, pilot plant, and fullscale manufacturing environments.
• Apply engineering and chemistry fundamentals to improve reaction systems, optimize assets, and drive stepchange operational performance.
• Design and execute plant trials, experiments, and capability studies to reduce rawmaterial usage, improve yield, enhance quality, and increase capacity.
• Lead pilot plant campaigns, new equipment commissioning, and scaleup programs across multiple business areas.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, technicians, and business teams to advance new product and process initiatives.
• Use statistical analysis, Six Sigma tools, and datadriven insights to identify opportunities and deliver measurable improvements.
• Communicate technical strategies, experimental results, and recommendations to technology, manufacturing, business, and leadership stakeholders.
• Promote and model strong safety practices in all laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing activities.

Qualifications

• Required Degree: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with emphasis on Paper and Pulp Technology.
• Strong commitment to safe operation in lab and pilot settings.
• Working knowledge of paper and pulp, polymer esters, or related chemical process technology.

• Demonstrated experience in Fiber chemistry, product development, or process improvements.

• Strong understanding of esterification chemistry, polymer reaction systems, and fundamental process engineering.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and datadriven process optimization.
• Ability to independently design and execute complex experiments and plant trials.

• Demonstrated ability to improve product quality, increase production rates, reduce variability, and optimize mill operations.
• Desire to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management and to collaborate to find innovative solutions

Benefits

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

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