Industrial/Wood Application Scientist

Eastman • Kingsport, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Eastman is a global specialty materials company founded in 1920, producing a wide range of products for everyday items. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Eastman collaborates with customers to deliver innovative solutions while prioritizing safety and sustainability. The company's growth strategy leverages technology, customer engagement, and application development in attractive markets like transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman is a global company with approximately 13,000 employees worldwide, serving customers in over 100 countries. Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, the company reported $8.8 billion in revenue for 2025. This role is for an experienced Industrial/Wood Applications Scientist with over 10 years of experience in developing, formulating, and commercializing coatings for industrial and wood applications. The position requires deep technical expertise in formulations, raw materials, application methods, and substrates, along with strategic leadership for innovation, cost reduction, and environmental responsibility. The successful candidate will act as a subject matter expert, working closely with R&D, marketing, sales, and customers to provide high-performance materials for industrial and wood applications that comply with regulations and market demands. This role is part of Eastman’s technology organization, supporting the Coatings business, and reports to the Group Leader Coatings Applications Development. The position is based in Kingsport, TN, USA, and is part of a global team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of professional work experience in industrial or wood applications.
• Experience qualifying new coatings formulations.
• Technical understanding of different wood coatings formulations (Solvent Borne: lacquers, 1k pre-catalyzed, 2k conversion varnish, 2k polyurethane; Water borne & UV technologies).
• Proven expertise in coatings performance testing and requirements.
• Knowledge of emerging trends, sustainability principles, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team member with both internal and external partners.
• Able to relocate to Kingsport, TN.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 15%, mainly within North America is required.

Nice To Haves

• Cross-functional experience in adjacent areas such as protective and marine is a plus.
• Experience engaging multiple points along the value chain is highly desired.
• Project leadership experience preferred including short-term and long-term project planning and participation on cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on industrial/wood coating properties, application processes, performance testing, and application requirements for various substrates.
• Lead customer-facing projects involving the design, development, and optimization of materials and formulations, including resins, solvents, and additives.
• Drive innovation in sustainable solutions by evaluating new raw materials, bio-based solutions, and recyclable/compostable technologies.
• Develop and maintain detailed testing specifications, technical documentation, and compliance requirements specific to industrial/wood coatings.
• Engage the value chain to identify needs across multiple applications and prioritize development opportunities.
• Influence decision-makers at customer sites to encourage the adoption of new solutions.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments related to industrial/wood coatings and sustainability to inform strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in R&D, marketing, sales, and business development to drive new business growth.

Benefits

• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage
• Health Savings Account option
• Voluntary benefits including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection
• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.
• 401(k) with a company match
• Additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman
• Eleven paid holidays
• One personal day
• Paid time off
• Paid vacation
• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior