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Chemical Engineer Graduate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Eastman

PhD Polymer Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate Polymer Chemist ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

Eastman Chemical Company

PhD Chemist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate Chemist with an ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

Tencate Grass

Sustainability ESG Specialist

Dayton, TN · Hybrid

$104K - $120K/yr

This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career environmental professional who is ... Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Data Analytics, Business, or a related field required

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

... chemical treatment and its associated feed equipment, clean and maintain cooling towers, and ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE 5+ years of related ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

... chemical treatment and its associated feed equipment, clean and maintain cooling towers, and ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE • 5+ years of ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

... chemical treatment and its associated feed equipment, clean and maintain cooling towers, and ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE 5+ years of related ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

... chemical treatment and its associated feed equipment, clean and maintain cooling towers, and ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE 5+ years of related ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

... chemical treatment and its associated feed equipment, clean and maintain cooling towers, and ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE 5+ years of related ...

U.S. Navy

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Murfreesboro, TN

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... High school graduate or equivalent * 17 years of age or older WORK ENVIRONMENT Depending on the ...

U.S. Navy

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Jackson, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... High school graduate or equivalent * 17 years of age or older WORK ENVIRONMENT Depending on the ...

U.S. Navy

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Chattanooga, TN

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... High school graduate or equivalent * 17 years of age or older WORK ENVIRONMENT Depending on the ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsChemical Engineer Graduate JobsChemical Engineer Graduate Jobs in Tennessee

Chemical Engineer Graduate information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.3K

$79.4K

$127.1K

How much do chemical engineer graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer graduate in Tennessee is $79,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,300.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the qualifications to get a job as a chemical engineer graduate?

The qualifications that you need to get an entry-level engineering job as a graduate of a chemical engineer program include a relevant degree and demonstrable research, lab, or analysis skills. You can gain experience during your undergraduate studies by taking part in an internship program or assisting in academic research at your university. You can obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, though some schools offer a five-year program that leads to a master’s degree in chemical engineering.

What does a chemical engineer graduate do?

A Chemical Engineer Graduate typically assists in designing, developing, and optimizing processes for producing chemicals, fuels, food, pharmaceuticals, and other products. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and math to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. Graduates often work under the supervision of senior engineers and may be involved in research, process development, safety analysis, or quality control. Over time, they gain experience and may take on more complex projects or leadership roles.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a chemical engineer graduate expect during their first year on the job?

As a Chemical Engineer Graduate, you can anticipate working on a variety of projects that may include process optimization, safety assessments, and assisting with the design or scale-up of chemical processes. Typically, you'll support senior engineers by collecting and analyzing data, running simulations, and preparing technical reports. Collaboration is key, and you'll often work closely with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical engineers, quality assurance staff, and plant operators. This early exposure helps you build foundational skills and gain insights into different areas of the chemical engineering field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical engineer graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Engineer Graduate, you need a solid understanding of chemical engineering principles, process design, and analytical problem-solving, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB, and knowledge of safety and quality regulations, are often required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating on projects and conveying technical information. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative solutions in diverse engineering environments.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineer Graduate vs Chemical Technician?

AspectChemical Engineer GraduateChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in chemical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize chemical processes, often in labs or plant settingsAssist in process operations, sampling, and quality control in manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticalsManufacturing plants, laboratories, production facilities

The main difference between a Chemical Engineer Graduate and a Chemical Technician lies in their education, responsibilities, and work scope. Chemical Engineer Graduates focus on designing and improving chemical processes, requiring a bachelor's degree, while Chemical Technicians support these processes through hands-on tasks with an associate degree. Both roles are essential in the chemical industry but serve different functions based on their training and responsibilities.

More about Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs

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For Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Chemical Engineer Graduate job openings:

Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer Graduate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,404 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

PhD Polymer Scientist

Eastman

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Eastman Chemical rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 103 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

**Please note – This posting is for recent or upcoming PhD graduates to join our team in 2027. PhD graduation date must be in 2026 or anticipated graduation in 2027**

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate Polymer Chemist/Scientist with an experimental focus to join the Technology organization in Kingsport, Tennessee. As a member of a high-performing team, this individual will be responsible for developing innovative and sustainable solutions for new and existing processes and products. The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at the lab, pilot and/or commercial scale to meet market demands.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with partner functions, such as applications R&D, manufacturing, marketing and business partners to understand customer needs and provide commercially viable technical solutions.
  • Work in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to reduce application fitness-for-use criteria to fundamental polymer characteristics leading to design, preparation, and assessment of novel polymer compositions & architectures.
  • Develop research plans and design experiments to prepare, characterize and evaluate polymers according to company’s timetable and translate into detailed technical work plans for safe and effective execution of process chemistry or new product or application development
  • Elucidate and recommend process conditions and parameters for successful scale-up and manufacturing of new and existing polymer compositions.
  • Anticipate technical difficulties and develop creative solutions
  • Write patents, technical market support literature, technical presentations, and publications, including internal research for publication, and provide support/liaison for external research conducted in line with the organization’s research strategy
  • Prepare and present written and oral reports to communicate with production, marketing, sales, and related functions
  • Work in and lead multidisciplinary teams to execute on technical projects, including directing the work of technicians
 
Qualifications
  • Required Degree: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Macromolecular Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Safe execution of all laboratory processes with demonstrated ability to effectively identify hazards associated with chemistries being explored and take appropriate actions
  • Demonstrated practical knowledge of polymer synthesis /mechanisms in organic chemistry or polymer engineering, and laboratory experimentation techniques.
  • Effective working knowledge of structure - property relationships and polymer characterization techniques.
  • General working knowledge of applications, processing methods, formulations and additives for engineering plastics, films, coatings and adhesives.
  • Knowledge of physical properties, especially mechanical properties of polymeric materials
  • Demonstrated creativity and desire to solve challenging and complex problems with hands-on approach
  • Passion for understanding the fundamental aspects of complex chemistries and processes.
  • Ability to lead and contribute as a member of multidisciplinary teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill 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.
  • Strong organizational/time management skills and ability to prioritize.
  • Injection molding or extrusion experience preferred but not required.

Benefits

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

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