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Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Eastman

PhD Chemical Engineer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

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 ...

Eastman

PhD Chemical Engineer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

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 ...

Motlow

$75 - $95/hr

Monitor regional labor market trends to ensure program relevance and graduate employability ... Represent the Chemical Engineering Technology to internal and external constituents. Minimum ...

Merrick & Company

Process Engineer Intern

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

OVERVIEW Merrick & Company seeks a Chemical Engineering undergraduate or graduate student for a paid Summer 2027 Internship in our Oak Ridge, Tennessee office. Merrick's Summer Internship Program ...

New

Evonik

Plant Engineer

Etowah, TN · On-site

Bring your fresh perspective, develop your strengths, break out your mold, and find a career that ... REQUIREMENTS * Minimum BS in Chemical Engineering or other Engineering degree * 5+ years of ...

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Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.3K

$79.4K

$127.1K

How much do fresh graduate chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fresh graduate chemical engineer 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 is a fresh graduate chemical engineer?

A Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer job is an entry-level position designed for recent graduates with a degree in chemical engineering. These roles typically involve assisting in research, process design, quality control, or production in industries like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing. Fresh graduates may work under the supervision of experienced engineers, gaining hands-on experience in chemical processes, safety regulations, and engineering principles. The job aims to develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry-specific knowledge. It serves as a foundation for career growth in various chemical engineering fields.

What does a fresh graduate chemical engineer do?

As a fresh graduate chemical engineer, you can expect to work on tasks such as assisting with process optimization, supporting troubleshooting efforts in production, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical documentation under the supervision of experienced engineers. Often, you'll be part of a collaborative team where you'll learn from mentors while gradually taking on more responsibility. You might also participate in safety audits, pilot plant trials, and cross-departmental meetings to gain broader exposure. These experiences are designed to build your technical competencies and help integrate you smoothly into professional engineering settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fresh graduate chemical engineer?

To thrive as a Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and safety protocols, typically obtained through an accredited engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software like Aspen HYSYS, AutoCAD, and adherence to safety standards such as OSHA are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills will help you stand out in entry-level positions. These qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and smooth collaboration in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,404 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

PhD Chemical Engineer

Eastman Chemical Company

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

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, visitwww.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 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.  


Job Duties/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
Qualifications
  • Required Degree: 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

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.

Apply