Production Operator & Packer

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.

Production Operator & Packer

Reports To: Team Manager

Shift: 12-Hour Straight Shift Schedule

• Day Shift: 6:15 AM - 6:30 PM

Join Us in Building a Better World

We are seeking motivated and safety-focused individuals to join our manufacturing team as a Production Operator & Packer. The ideal candidate will safely operate production equipment, package finished goods, perform warehouse duties (forklift), perform routine maintenance activities, and contribute to a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Safety & Housekeeping

• Follow all company safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, inspections, and training activities.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas through daily housekeeping activities.
• Promote a safe working environment by reporting hazards and unsafe conditions immediately.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance personnel, quality representatives, and team members.
• Work collaboratively to meet production schedules and departmental goals.
• Assist with training and onboarding activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Equipment Operation

• Perform startup, operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and shutdown of manufacturing equipment.
• Monitor machine performance and process conditions to ensure quality and production requirements are met.
• Feed raw materials into equipment and remove finished products from the production process.
• Identify and respond to equipment alarms, process deviations, and operational issues.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and assist with preventative maintenance activities.
• Maintain operational efficiency through proper machine setup, adjustments, and monitoring.

Packaging & Material Handling

• Package finished products according to quality standards and customer specifications.
• Inspect products and packaging materials for defects, accuracy, and compliance with requirements.
• Label, palletize, wrap, stage, and prepare finished goods for storage or shipment.
• Load and unload materials, packaging supplies, products, carts, and dollies.
• Move materials throughout the facility using approved material-handling equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Basic computer skills, including email, data entry, and production documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn manufacturing equipment operations.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing, production, packaging, warehouse, or machine operation experience.
• Experience using computerized manufacturing or inventory systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 12 hours per shift.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, and climb stairs.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions involving hands, wrists, and arms.
• Ability to package, palletize, wrap, label, and move products throughout the shift.
• Ability to safely operate material-handling equipment as authorized.
• Ability to read work instructions, product labels, gauges, and computer screens.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and manufacturing conditions.

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.