Wood Science 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.

We are seeking an experienced Industrial/Wood Applications Scientist with over 10 years of experience developing, formulating, and commercializing coatings for industrial and wood applications. This role demands deep technical knowledge of formulations, raw materials, application techniques, and substrates, combined with strategic leadership to drive innovation, cost optimization, and environmental stewardship. The successful candidate will serve as a subject‑matter expert, collaborating closely with R&D, marketing, sales teams, and customers to deliver high‑performance materials for industrial and wood applications that meet regulatory and market requirements. This position sits within Eastman’s technology organization and provides support for our Coatings business organization. The position reports through the Group Leader Coatings Applications Development, is located in Kingsport, TN, USA, and is part of a global team.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on industrial/wood coating properties, application processes, performance testing and application requirements for various substrates.
• Lead customer‑facing projects regarding the design, development, and optimization of materials and formulations, including resins, solvents, additives, etc.
• Drive innovation in sustainable solutions by evaluating new raw materials, bio‑based solutions, and recyclable/compostable technologies.
• Develop and maintain detailed testing specifications, technical documentation, and compliance requirements tailored to industrial/wood coatings.
• Engage the value chain to discover needs across multiple applications and prioritize opportunities for development work.
• Influence decision makers at customers to adopt new solutions.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments related to industrial/wood coatings and sustainability to inform strategic decisions.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams across R&D, marketing, sales and business development teams to deliver new business growth.

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of professional work experience in industrial or wood applications.
• Experience qualifying new coatings formulations.
• Technical understanding of different wood coatings formulations (solvent‑borne: lacquers, 1k pre‑catalyzed, 2k conversion varnish, 2k polyurethane; water‑borne & UV technologies).
• Proven expertise in coatings performance testing and requirements.
• Knowledge of emerging trends, sustainability principles, and regulatory compliance.
• Cross‑functional experience in adjacent areas such as protective and marine is a plus.
• Experience engaging multiple points along the value chain is highly desired.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project leadership experience preferred, including short‑term and long‑term project planning and participation on cross‑functional teams.
• Self‑motivated and able to work both independently and as a team member with both internal and external partners.
• Able to relocate to Kingsport, TN.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 15%, mainly within North America.

• Base pay plus performance‑based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

• 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.

• 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.