Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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.