Staff Engineer, South Coal Gas

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

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tennessee is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for the South Coal Gas Mechanical Technical Staff role in the Acetyl Manufacturing Department. You will work with Operations, Maintenance and Engineering to maintain safety, reliability and production, focusing on rotating equipment and high‑pressure valves.

This long‑term assignment (3–5 years) aims to develop deep equipment knowledge, drive improvements, and support capital projects, reporting to the Coal Gas

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of mechanical experience.
• Rotating equipment and critical reliability equipment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Champion Zero Incident Mindset by engaging with team members.
• Provide daily technical support for production processes and resolve plant mechanical issues.
• Develop and implement capital projects within the department.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Development and Operations personnel to meet objectives.
• Drive reliability improvements and participate in area maintenance planning.
• Lead manufacturing projects with rotating equipment and other critical equipment.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and participate in PHA teams as needed.

Skills

Rotating equipment experience

High pressure valves

Piping

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Mechanical 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 .

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.

Description

This is a South Coal Gas Mechanical Technical Staff role in Acetyl Manufacturing Department. In this role, you’ll work with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering and other support staff closely to maintain Coal Gas’ production safety, reliability, production, cost and quality. Your primary responsibility will be serving as a mechanical technical expert for the area by gaining knowledge of past issues and thorough understand of equipment within the area. Other responsibilities will be to identify and implement improvements to the manufacturing process in areas of safety, environmental, productivity, quality, cost and reliability. The role requires experience in a broad spectrum of mechanical equipment, with a focus on day-to-day troubleshooting of piping systems, critical valves/equipment and rotating equipment, such as high-pressure pumps and compressors. The other critical job expectation is to develop and maintain long-term improvements for critical equipment of South Coal Gas, maximizing the area’s safety, reliability and capability.

This position is considered a long-term area assignment of at least 3-5 years in the area, during which time expertise in area equipment will be developed. South Coal gas is a very technically challenging area but directly impacts company-level value and contribution for the Acetyl Stream now and in the future. With this high visibility role, we want the right candidate to develop deep technical knowledge of the area, making a real difference for the Acetyl Stream and Eastman. This position reports to the Coal Gas Operations Technical Manager.

This position will be posted until at least August 19, 2026.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilites:

• Champion Zero Incident Mindset by engaging with team members
• Be a focal point on asset integrity program within the department
• Provide daily technical support for production processes, utilizing technical expertise to resolve plant mechanical issues and repairs
• Maintain an awareness of Manufacturing concerns through daily interactions with Staff, Operators and Supervision
• Develop and implement capital projects (cSCPs & SERs) within the department
• Work closely with Maintenance, Development and Operations personnel to assist the manufacturing unit in achieving their production, reliability and maintenance objectives
• Drive reliability and other general improvements within the department
• Develop and lead efforts in Manufacturing to meet key business and site initiatives while maintaining a focus on safety
• Serve as the Manufacturing interface with Plant Engineering on specific projects paritcularly with rotating equipment and other critical equipment projects
• Participate in the area maintenance planning process and identify improvement opportunities

Other Responsibilities will include:

• Develop,collaborate and prioritize a project portfolio. Coordinate resources for implementation.
• Provide operational oversight for the MOC process
• Provide back-up assistance in the absence of the Manufacturing Supervisor or Manager
• Provide weekend duty coverage (average 4 weeks per year) for the department once onboarding /training is complete
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with all stakeholders
• Be familiar with PSM, including PHAs. Participate on PHA teams as needed. Generate and execute projects to address action items.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required
• At least 3 years of mechanical experience, preferrably with rotating equipment experience and critical reliability equipment (high pressure valves, piping, etc.) required

Other Capabilities

• Able to to work across role groups in a team environment, including collaborating and connecting with Mechanics, Operators and other staff in a positive way to get projects done with great quality of work
• Able to adapt to a fast changing environment. Situations and timelines can change quickly; must be able to be flexible to change focus and move forward multiple efforts concurrently
• Very good on documentation, RCFA process and completion of work
• Strpmg technical/engineering skills highly preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills to support working with a broad cross-section of employees

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

Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville