PhD Chemical Engineer

Eastman•Kingsport, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate in Chemical Engineering to join the Technology organization in Kingsport, Tennessee. This individual will become an integral member of multiple product and process development teams, ranging in scope from process upgrades to development of new process technology supporting existing and new manufacturing processes.

Requirements

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Reaction Engineering, or related field.
Fundamental knowledge of polymer and/or small molecule process technology or have a high potential to develop this level of expertise
Safe execution of all laboratory processes with demonstrated ability to effectively identify hazards associated with processes being explored and take appropriate actions
Ability to lead and contribute as a member of multidisciplinary teams
Ability to work independently
Highly motivated to achieve results and move projects forward at an efficient pace
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarize data and effectively present key messages across the technical enterprise, as well as various groups such as marketing, manufacturing, regulatory, QA/QC, supply chain, customer service, sales and external customers and suppliers
Desire to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management and to collaborate to find innovative solutions

Responsibilities

Utilize expertise and fundamental knowledge to solve problems and deliver breakthrough processes and/or products
Design, plan and execute catalyst evaluation campaigns to measure activity, selectivity, conversion, stability, and deactivation under relevant process conditions.
Develop process concepts and models for the production of new products based on proposed chemistry routes and early laboratory data
Apply engineering and scientific fundamentals to existing and new areas of interest
Actively participate in and lead multidisciplinary project teams
Collaborate with laboratory chemists, technicians, technologists and engineers to execute laboratory and pilot plant experiments
Work safely and promote a safe work environment
Identify innovative solutions to improve economic viability of new processes/products
Effectively communicate ideas and results verbally and in writing with technology, business, and manufacturing stakeholders