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Polymer 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/Scientist with an experimental focus to join the Technology organization in Kingsport, Tennessee. As a ...

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Teknor Apex

Polymer Extrusion Specialist

Brownsville, TN · On-site

$17/hr

Join the journey that began with a tire store in Rhode Island in 1924! Teknor Apex has evolved into a global leader in custom compounding, expanding across nine U.S. locations and branching out to ...

GlycoData

Associate Applications Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Formulate and compound cellulose ester polymer blends and additive systems to meet targeted rheology, mechanical, optical and compostability requirements; optimize cost/performance trade‑offs.

Teknor Apex

Process Engineer

Brownsville, TN · On-site

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: * BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering or related discipline. * Good understanding of the ...

Teknor Apex Company

Process Engineer

Brownsville, TN · On-site

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: * BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering or related discipline. * Good understanding of the ...

Henpen Corporation

Development CHemist

Piney Flats, TN · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Support process development involving extrusion, polymer processing, pore formation, extraction, and coating technologies. * Evaluate separator properties including permeability, pore structure ...

Eastman

Associate Applications Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Formulate and compound cellulose ester polymer blends and additive systems to meet targeted rheology, mechanical, optical and compostability requirements; optimize cost/performance trade‑offs.

Eastman

Associate Applications Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

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 ...

Laborup

Process Engineer

Morristown, TN · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Overview We're hiring Process Engineers to join our polymer compounding manufacturing team. You'll spend most of your day on the production floor leading trials, troubleshooting manufacturing issues ...

Laborup

Process Engineer

Morristown, TN · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Overview We're hiring Process Engineers to join our polymer compounding manufacturing team. You'll spend most of your day on the production floor leading trials, troubleshooting manufacturing issues ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolymer JobsPolymer Jobs in Tennessee

Polymer information

See Tennessee salary details

$45.8K

$81.1K

$140.7K

How much do polymer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer in Tennessee is $81,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer?

A Polymer job typically involves working with synthetic or natural polymers in research, development, production, or quality control. Professionals in this field may be chemists, engineers, or technicians who design, test, and optimize polymer materials for various applications, such as plastics, coatings, adhesives, and composites. Their work is essential in industries like automotive, healthcare, packaging, and electronics. Responsibilities may include formulating new materials, improving existing products, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the polymer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polymer Scientist or Engineer, a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering is essential, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced certification. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, polymer synthesis techniques, and analytical tools such as FTIR, DSC, or GPC is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and strong collaboration abilities help individuals excel in both research and industrial settings. Mastering these skills and qualifications ensures innovation, safe material design, and successful project outcomes in the competitive field of polymer science.

What are the typical career advancement paths for professionals in polymer science or engineering roles?

Polymer professionals often start in research, product development, or quality control positions and can advance to senior scientist, project manager, or technical leader roles as they gain experience. With additional education or specialized training, opportunities in management, consulting, or regulatory affairs are also common. Many companies support professional development through conferences, certifications, and advanced degrees, facilitating growth into leadership positions. Joining multidisciplinary teams or working on high-impact projects can further accelerate career progression, making this field dynamic and full of opportunities for advancement.

Is polymer science a good career?

Polymer science is a specialized field focused on the development and application of polymer materials, often requiring a background in chemistry or materials science. Careers in this area can offer opportunities in research, manufacturing, and product development, with roles typically involving laboratory work and technical skills. Job prospects depend on industry demand and individual qualifications, with some positions requiring advanced degrees or certifications.

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

The most popular types of Polymer jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Polymer jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Polymer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Polymer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Polymer job openings:

Polymer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,077 per year, or $39 per hour.

PhD Polymer Scientist

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Eastman

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 101 rated chemical manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

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Learn more about Eastmanexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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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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