Process Development Engineer

Eastman; Tennessee; On-site; USD 112,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage family

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

Growth and mentorship programs

Job summary

Eastman seeks an experienced scientist to support product development and formulation of Biodegradables products. This role reports through the Biodegradables Technology Division and focuses on scaling up polymer formulations for commercialization at internal and external facilities.

You will collaborate with Operators, Scientists, Technicians, and Engineering partners to develop SOPs, ensure safety, and share best practices.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 3+ years’ experience in compounding and formulating polymers.
• Deep understanding of polymer structure/property relationships and approaches to polymer formulations to achieve end‑use requirements.
• Ability to translate end‑use requirements to compounded product concepts.
• Commitment to high level of safety and environmental awareness.
• Rapidly build trust with operators, contract manufacturers, and senior customer leaders.
• Coach front‑line teams and translate technical needs into clear, actionable steps.
• Represent Eastman with a customer‑first mindset while protecting company interests.
• Must exhibit Eastman competencies.
• Must be a self‑starter with a focus on results.
• Ability to lead and drive challenging projects forward to a decision despite uncertainties.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Scale up existing products in the Biodegradables Technology product portfolio at internal and external facilities; act in a hands‑on, active participatory and leadership capacity.
• Hands‑on development of SOPs, documentation, and best practices for compounded product production; share with and translate procedures to internal and external parties as required.
• Partner with internal Eastman stakeholders to harmonize product data with existing data management systems.
• Recommend further opportunities for process improvement and cost savings.
• Coordinate and, when needed, execute analytical testing for process improvement projects at both internal and external testing laboratories.
• Work collaboratively with Operators, Scientists, Technicians, and Engineering partners to scale‑up polymer formulations as part of the commercialization process.
• Provide timely communications to management and project stakeholders by communicating project needs, value, priorities, and decisions to ensure project success.
• Serve as Eastman’s technical field liaison during scale‑up and commercialization—build trust with customers and contract manufacturers through clear, professional communication; provide constructive, collaborative coaching and direction to customer and operator teams while managing expectations and capturing feedback for continual improvement.

Skills

Polymer compounding

Polymer formulation

Safety and environmental awareness

Leadership and coaching

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Description

This position is for an experienced scientist to support product development and formulation of Eastman’s Biodegradables products. This position will report through the Biodegradables Technology Division.

Travel

• Travel required as needed 50-75%

Responsibilities

• Scale up existing products in the Biodegradables Technology product portfolio at internal and external facilities; act in a hands‑on, active participatory and leadership capacity.
• Hands‑on development of SOPs, documentation, and best practices for compounded product production; share with and translate procedures to internal and external parties as required.
• Partner with internal Eastman stakeholders to harmonize product data with existing data management systems.
• Recommend further opportunities for process improvement and cost savings.
• Coordinate and, when needed, execute analytical testing for process improvement projects at both internal and external testing laboratories.
• Work collaboratively with Operators, Scientists, Technicians, and Engineering partners to scale‑up polymer formulations as part of the commercialization process.
• Provide timely communications to management and project stakeholders by communicating project needs, value, priorities, and decisions to ensure project success.
• Serve as Eastman’s technical field liaison during scale‑up and commercialization—build trust with customers and contract manufacturers through clear, professional communication; provide constructive, collaborative coaching and direction to customer and operator teams while managing expectations and capturing feedback for continual improvement.

Qualifications

Required Degree, Experience, and Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 3+ years’ experience in compounding and formulating polymers.
• Deep understanding of polymer structure/property relationships and approaches to polymer formulations to achieve end‑use requirements.
• Ability to translate end‑use requirements to compounded product concepts.
• Commitment to high level of safety and environmental awareness.
• Rapidly build trust with operators, contract manufacturers, and senior customer leaders.
• Coach front‑line teams and translate technical needs into clear, actionable steps.
• Represent Eastman with a customer‑first mindset while protecting company interests.
• Must exhibit Eastman competencies.
• Must be a self‑starter with a focus on results.
• Ability to lead and drive challenging projects forward to a decision despite uncertainties.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Degree, Experience, and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 1+ years’ experience in compounding and formulating polymers.
• Experience in scaling small‑scale processes to plant‑scale equipment related to compounding, extrusion, and/or blending of plastic products.
• Experience with cellulose esters.
• Track record of engaging with cross‑functional partners to define and evaluate ways to achieve business results.
• Comfortable challenging peers and supervision to develop creative solutions.
• Proven ability to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management.
• Proven experience in leading multifunctional project teams.

The base salary range for this position is $112–154k.

At Eastman, we are committed to transparency and integrity in our compensation practices. Eastman includes salary ranges in some job postings to provide clear compensation information and to be compliant with state laws that require disclosure. Not all postings display ranges due to factors like location, market conditions, or position specifics. Compensation is based on qualifications and experience. Candidates are encouraged to discuss their salary questions during the interview process.

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.

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 engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville