Process Improvement Chemical Engineer

Eastman; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Mentorship and growth programs

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking an experienced Chemical Engineer to support manufacturing, pilot plant, and lab-scale process improvements and scale-up within Technology.

The role emphasizes troubleshooting operations, developing and executing process improvements, and leading capital projects, with a strong focus on safety and environmental responsibility.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering required.
• 3+ years' experience in piloting and manufacturing process development or process improvement.
• Commitment to high level of safety and environmental awareness.
• Experience in pilot plant support and scaling small-scale processes to plant-scale equipment (preferred).
• Exhibit good leadership attitudes and behaviors.
• Must be a self-starter with a focus on results.
• Ability to lead and drive challenging projects forward despite uncertainties.
• Excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot daily operational issues - interface with operations and maintenance personnel as problems are addressed.
• Develop and execute process improvement projects to improve manufacturing processes.
• Serve as division representative for capital project execution.
• Develop methods and strategies to scale up new products and processes from lab to pilot to manufacturing scales.
• Develop technical expertise in pilot and manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve safety, cost position, quality, and/or capacity.
• Propose and execute production trials and tests on lab, pilot, and manufacturing scales. Utilize design of experiment methodology where applicable.
• Provide project leadership and develop lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing trials and experiments.
• Provide timely communications to management and project stakeholders by communicating project needs, value, priorities, and decisions to ensure project success.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety awareness

Self-starter

Problem solving

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

Job description

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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 .

This position is for an experienced Chemical Engineer to support manufacturing, pilot plant, and lab scale process improvement and scale-up within Technology.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot daily operational issues - interface with operations and maintenance personnel as problems are addressed.
• Develop and execute process improvement projects to improve manufacturing processes.
• Serve as division representative for capital project execution.
• Develop methods and strategies to scale up new products and processes from lab to pilot to manufacturing scales.
• Develop technical expertise in pilot and manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve safety, cost position, quality, and/or capacity.
• Propose and execute production trials and tests on lab, pilot, and manufacturing scales. Utilize design of experiment methodology where applicable.
• Provide project leadership and develop lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing trials and experiments.
• Provide timely communications to management and project stakeholders by communicating project needs, value, priorities, and decisions to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• Required Degree: BS in Chemical Engineering
• 3+ years' experience related to piloting and manufacturing process development or process improvement.
• Commitment to high level of safety and environmental awareness.
• Experience in pilot plant support and scaling small-scale processes to plant-scale equipment (preferred)
• Exhibit good leadership attitudes and behaviors.
• Must be a self-starter with a focus on results. Ability to lead and drive challenging projects forward despite uncertainties.
• Comfortable challenging peers and supervision to develop creative solutions.
• Proven ability to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management.
• Excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills.

Please 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.

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