PhD Polymer Process Development Engineer

Eastman Chemical Company•Kingsport, TN

About The Position

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 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com. Description Please note – This posting is for recent or upcoming PhD graduates to join our team in 2026. PhD graduation date must be in 2025 or anticipated graduation in 2026 Eastman Chemical Company is seeking polymer process scientists and engineers to join the Technology organization in Springfield, MA or Kingsport, TN. As a polymer process development engineer, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and piloting polymer processing technologies to support new products and process development. This role bridges polymer and material science and process engineering, working closely with cross-functional teams in R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance. You will be collaborating with scientists and engineers to bring innovations to markets through fast prototyping and collaboration with external customers. This role requires a fast-fail mindset through prototype demonstration via lab and pilot plant processes.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Macromolecular Science, Materials Science, Polymer/Chemical Engineering, or related field.
Deep practical understanding of polymer melt rheology as it affects polymer processing, such as sheet/film formation or injection molding.
Proven ability to diagnose and resolve common polymer processing defects and implement robust rework strategies.
Practical knowledge of polymer characterization (e.g. rheometry, DSC/TGA, FTIR, tensile, GPC/SPEC) and structure–property interpretation.
Experience applying SPC/DOE and process control techniques; comfortable with gauge R&R and statistical analysis of process/performance data.
Effective communication and influencing skills — able to distill data and present clear recommendations across technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Self-starter: independently prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and drive technical decisions to closure.
Ability to apply mechanical knowledge in real-world settings to diagnose issues, implement solutions, and ensure process reliability.

Nice To Haves

Experience in piloting and industrial manufacturing with polymer melt processing and thermoplastic processing.
Experience in polymer film applications with critical quality requirements such as optical clarity, haze, lamination readiness, and adhesion consistency.
Direct melt extrusion experience (single and/or twin screw) with demonstrated scaleup from lab/pilot to commercial lines.
Familiarity with roll-to-roll/web handling; inline thickness gauges (optical/Xray); slot dies; R2R equipment.
Apply comprehensive knowledge of injection molding processes and equipment across all molding applications.
Experience leading equipment implementation, vendor trials, or capital projects; exposure to Lean/Six Sigma and ISO/GMP/IATF environments.
Data tooling: JMP/Minitab and/or Python for DOE and analysis.
Record of patents, publications, or external technical collaborations.

Responsibilities

Lead polymer process development and optimization across lab, pilot, and commercial scales—covering startup/shutdown, equipment setup, and process optimization—to achieve precise control over melt behavior, minimize defects, and ensure consistent product performance.
Lead efforts to optimize polymer processing for film and injection molding applications, ensuring superior product quality and consistency that align with customer expectations and market demands.
Diagnose and resolve root causes for polymer processing challenges and optimize rework strategies and material blends.
Define scope and lead capital/technology scouting, vendor trials, safety reviews, and ROI recommendations.
Coach technicians/operators, lead pilot and plant trials, and prepare technical reports and IP disclosures.
Support presentations to customers and executive leadership.
Champion Zero-Incident Mindset for Safety, LOTO, preventive maintenance, and RCAs.
Partner with colleagues as part of cross-functional teams including technology, manufacturing, businesses, HSES, Engineering and other functions to drive process improvement, growth programs and business initiatives.
Enhance professional growth and technical awareness by keeping abreast of technical literature in the field and pursuing relevant training while developing areas of interest and expertise.
Serve as a trusted technical partner by engaging directly with customers and global Eastman teams to resolve complex processing challenges, provide expert guidance, and represent the company with professionalism in all customer-facing interactions.

Benefits

Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.
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.
401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.
Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.
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.

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