Process Design/Optimization Chemical Engineer

Eastman Chemical Co.; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Co. in Kingsport, TN, is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to advance design and optimization across multiple projects. You will apply first-principles engineering and data analysis to improve process performance, energy efficiency, and reliability, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role requires a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and at least five years of related experience, with hands-on use of Aspen or similar process modeling tools, strong thermodynamics

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process engineering/scale-up or related roles.
• Experience with Aspen or similar process modeling tools.
• Strong thermodynamics fundamentals.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems using data and engineering principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate across teams.
• Learning agility to adapt to new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Apply first-principles engineering and data analysis to solve complex problems.
• Generate process design information including PFDs, material and energy balances.
• Develop expertise in PDO capability areas such as process simulation, synthesis, optimization, or environmental calculations.
• Support capital projects through process design, technology development, and engineering analysis.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and permits through calculations for batch and continuous processes.

Skills

Process engineering

Data analysis

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen (HYSYS)

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, visit ;br

Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include:

• Apply first-principles engineering and data analysis to solve complex technical problems.
• Generate process design information including process flow diagrams, heat and material balances, techno-economic evaluations and supporting engineering calculations.
• Develop expertise in one or more PDO capability areas such as process simulation, process synthesis, optimization, environmental calculations, or physical properties.
• Support capital projects through process design, technology development, engineering consultation, and environmental calculations in support of permitting.
• Support Eastman’s adherence to environmental regulations and operating permits by performing environmental calculations for batch and continuous processes in support of operating permit renewals and everyday operations.
• Support innovation and technology-development initiatives through process design, technical evaluations, and engineering analysis.
• Share knowledge, mentor colleagues, and contribute to the long-term technical growth of the organization.
• Serve as a technical interface between PDO and Technology or Scale-Up & Process Innovation organizations.
• Develop, maintain, and apply process simulations to evaluate process performance, identify opportunities, and support project decision making.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve process performance, energy efficiency, reliability, and business value.
• Work with cross-functional teams that include process improvement, scale-up, environmental operations, manufacturing personnel, capital project teams, and external contractors.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process engineering, process improvement, process development, scale-up, manufacturing support, or related technical roles.
• Experience using Aspen process simulation software or comparable process modeling tools.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and chemical engineering fundamentals.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems using data, engineering principles, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated record of delivering meaningful business value through technical contributions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across organizations and disciplines.
• Demonstrated learning agility and ability to quickly develop expertise in new technologies and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following:

• process synthesis and conceptual process design.
• supporting innovation, technology development, or scale-up activities.
• supporting capital projects.
• performing techno-economic analysis.
• identifying and implementing process optimization opportunities.
• Experience working across multiple manufacturing technologies or business areas.
• Commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and helping others succeed through teaching and mentoring.

Desired Attributes

• Intellectual curiosity and a passion for understanding how things work.
• Desire to become a long-term technical expert and steward of organizational knowledge.
• Ability to influence decisions through technical credibility and data-driven recommendations.
• Willingness to challenge assumptions respectfully and constructively.
• Commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and helping others succeed.
• Interest in solving difficult, high-impact technical problems that influence Eastman’s future.

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 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.