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Extrusion Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Support lab, pilot and scale up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges ... Qualifications * Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical ...

Support lab, pilot and scale up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges ... Qualifications * Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical ...

Support lab, pilot and scale‑up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges ... Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a ...

$68K - $88K/yr

Experience in extrusion or injection molding production and/or web handling/transport, linear ... PLC programming skills: SIEMENS (required), Automation DIRECT, AB, Mitsubishi PLCs (plus)

Manufacturing / Process Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

As the Manufacturing / Process Engineer at Lokar, you will not only help sustain and manage the ... extrusion"; Pro-E/Creo or Inventor experience will allow you to pick up SolidWorks quickly.

The process engineer is a part of the plant staff driven to identify, develop and deliver ... Support and develop production and/or maintenance projects for the plant in Extrusion and ...

Senior Process Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$99K - $128K/yr

Perform engineering work related to the design, procurement, installation, and operation of ... Extensive knowledge and experience with powder processing, graphite powder, extrusion, ceramics ...

The process engineer is a part of the plant staff driven to identify, develop and deliver ... Support and develop production and/or maintenance projects for the plant in Extrusion and ...

Senior Process Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$185 - $215/hr

Perform engineering work related to the design, procurement, installation, and operation of ... Extensive knowledge and experience with powder processing, graphite powder, extrusion, ceramics ...

Quality Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Qualifications Four-year Engineering degree required Knowledge, skills, and abilities desired ... leading polymer extrusion manufacturer and material science innovator. More than 50 years of ...

The process engineer is a part of the plant staff driven to identify, develop and deliver ... Support and develop production and/or maintenance projects for the plant in Extrusion and ...

Process Development Engineer - Eastman Chemical Company Location: Kingsport, TN Posted on: May 07 ... compounding, extrusion, and/or blending of plastic products * Experience with cellulose esters

Showing results 41-60

Extrusion Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$65.3K

$91.8K

$127.1K

How much do extrusion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for extrusion engineer in Tennessee is $91,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $100,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an extrusion engineer?

Extrusion Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and optimize the extrusion process used to create products by pushing material through a shaped die. They typically work with materials such as plastics, metals, or food products, ensuring the quality and efficiency of production. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment, developing new extrusion techniques, and maintaining safety and quality standards. Extrusion Engineers play a key role in industries like manufacturing, automotive, packaging, and construction.

What does an extrusion engineer do?

An extrusion engineer develops and evaluates the extrusion process for a manufacturing company. Your duties in this career are to support the production and engineering needs through the set-up and operation of the extrusion equipment and processes. Other responsibilities may be to design, set up, and troubleshoot new equipment and procedures for development. You are expected to document the details of the processes and experiments you perform. Other duties include analyzing research and development, communicating issues, implementing resolutions, participating in meetings, and training new staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an extrusion engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Extrusion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, with expertise in polymer processing and extrusion technologies. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools, and quality management systems, along with relevant certifications like Six Sigma, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient production, maintaining product quality, and driving continuous process improvements.

What are some common challenges faced by extrusion engineers in maintaining product quality, and how are these typically addressed?

Extrusion Engineers often encounter challenges like maintaining tight tolerances, managing material inconsistencies, and minimizing defects such as die lines or melt fractures. To address these, they regularly monitor process parameters, collaborate closely with quality assurance teams, and use advanced control systems to adjust conditions in real time. Root cause analysis and continuous improvement practices are essential parts of the role, ensuring products meet industry standards and customer specifications.

What is the difference between Extrusion Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectExtrusion EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Materials, or Industrial EngineeringBachelor's in Engineering, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, extrusion linesManufacturing, production facilities, or process development labs
Industry UsagePlastic, metal, rubber extrusion industriesVarious manufacturing sectors including plastics, metals, chemicals
Common Search IntentDesigning and optimizing extrusion processesImproving overall manufacturing processes

Extrusion Engineers focus specifically on designing and optimizing extrusion processes for materials like plastics and metals, working closely with extrusion machinery. Process Engineers have a broader role, improving and managing manufacturing processes across various production methods. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds but differ in scope and specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Extrusion Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Extrusion Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Extrusion Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Extrusion Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,770 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Associate Applications Scientist

Eastman

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 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 102 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.
Description
Eastman Chemical Company is seeking an experienced Applications Development / Research Scientist to advance the Aventa™ biodegradable polymers product family through product development, compounding and scale-up of novel cellulose ester-based formulations. Utilizing a fundamental, science-first approach, the role emphasizes rigorous investigation of melt rheology, chain architecture, phase behavior, and degradation pathways to build predictive structure-property-processing maps that guide formulation and processing decisions. The scientist will translate these fundamentals into robust, safe, and repeatable processing solutions across extrusion, profile extrusion, and injection molding while meeting end-use fitness-for-use (FFU) and home/industrial compostability targetsat optimized cost. This position reports into the Biodegradable Technology Division and is located at the R&D headquarters in Kingsport, TN.
Responsibilities
  • Participate in, align with, and influence Eastman's market segment team strategy (Application Development, Product Development, Marketing, Sales, Technical Service, Product Management, Regulatory, Manufacturing).
  • Translate customer and market needs into technical requirements and Critical to Quality (CTQ) metrics to guide product concepts and product selection.
  • Lead and support market-facing Stage Gate projects; define technical milestones, risks and mitigation plans.
  • Design and execute application- and formulation-specific experiments to develop fundamental understanding of melt rheology and relate rheological metrics to processing performance and end-use properties.
  • Formulate and compound cellulose ester polymer blends and additive systems to meet targeted rheology, mechanical, optical and compostability requirements; optimize cost/performance trade-offs.
  • Run, interpret and apply rheometry, MFI/MI, melt strength and processability tests; translate results to processing windows and machine settings.
  • Design and analyze DOE and statistical studies to optimize formulations and process parameters.
  • Support lab, pilot and scale up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges and recommend robust, safe operating conditions.
  • Facilitate and run customer trials and internal validations; communicate results and convert validated trials into product development actions.
  • Create and protect innovative solutions via patent disclosures and support intellectual property activities.
  • Prepare clear technical documentation and oral presentations for internal and external stakeholders (test reports, technical data sheets, regulatory inputs).
  • Apply and promote rigorous safety and environmental practices: lead hazard assessments, ensure compliant handling and disposal of materials, and support other safety programs.

Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field required.
  • 5+ years industry experience translating polymer formulation fundamentals into commercial scale products highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated hands on experience with melt rheology testing and interpretation.
  • Practical experience in formulation, compounding and extrusion (lab and pilot scale).
  • Strong understanding of polymer structure-property relationships and how formulation and processing influence end use properties and compostability.
  • Experience designing and analyzing DOE and applying statistics to drive formulation/process decisions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical results to cross functional teams and customers.
  • Proven commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (NOT REQUIRED)
  • Experience in design, processability, and structure-properties of cellulose esters.
  • Hands on experience with injection molding, profile extrusion, thermoforming and pilot scale extrusion.
  • Experience developing compostable polymer formulations and familiarity with standards (e.g., ASTM D6400, EN 13432, or equivalent).
  • Hands on experience with injection molding, profile extrusion, thermoforming and pilot scale extrusion. Especially preferred for cellulose ester polymers.
  • Familiarity with polymer analytics: GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, tensile/impact testing.
  • Experience with rheology modeling or predictive tools (e.g., RheoWin, MATLAB) and with data tools (JMP, Python desirable).
  • Track record of patent filings or published technical reports related to polymer formulations or rheology.
  • Experience running customer application trials and translating feedback into product designs.

OTHER INFORMATION
Location: Kingsport, TN - primarily onsite (laboratory and pilot work).
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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