Polymer Research Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Location: Kingsport, TN

Posted on: May 07, 2026

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 targets at optimized cost. This position reports into the Biodegradable Technology Division and is located at the R&D headquarters in Kingsport, TN.

• 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.

• Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 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.

• 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 such as ASTM D6400, EN 13432 or equivalents.
• 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.

Location: Kingsport, TN — primarily onsite (laboratory and pilot work).

• Comprehensive medical, prescription‑drug and dental coverage—including a Health Savings Account option.
• 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 and 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.

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.