Application Development Scientist
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 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Responsibilities
Eastman’s Plastic Technology Division within Specialty Plastics is seeking a Scientist to support the Application Development Team in the Durables and Eyewear Market in which the selected individual will position Eastman’s portfolio while providing technical support to drive the close of new business. This position will be onsite at our headquarters in Kingsport, TN.
The selected candidate will be responsible for translating customer and market needs into technical requirements that guide product development and influence Eastman’s Innovation Strategy. The selected candidate will lead and support Stage-Gate projects and technical activities, design and run application-development experiments, and promote customer trials to validate Eastman solutions resulting in new business.
JOB RESPONSIBLITIES
• Participate in, align with, and influence Eastman’s market segment team’s (Application Development, Marketing, Sales, Technical Service, Product Management) strategy.
• Support market-facing Stage-Gate projects and support technical activities at customers within the market segment.
• Develop industry-specific expertise across applications, conversion technologies and incumbent product offerings.
• Identify and document industry- and customer-specific unmet needs and define product fitness-for-use criteria.
• Translate voice of the customer into Critical to Quality (CTQ) metrics to drive product selection.
• Review and assess customer specific CTQs within and across markets to drive material innovations.
• Promote a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to customers and partner with Product Development to deliver solutions that address market needs.
• Design and execute application-specific experiments to gain fundamental insights and address customer-specific needs.
• Facilitate customer trials and evaluations to validate solutions.
• Create and protect innovative solutions through patent applications.
• Communicate technical findings clearly through written documentation and oral presentations.
Qualifications
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• A Ph.D. or Master’s degree preferred, Bachelor’s degree required in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s Degree and 10 or more years of experience in industry or Ph.D. or Master’s degree and 5 or more years of experience in the industry.
• Understanding of structure-property and processing relationships of thermoplastic polymers.
• Demonstrated creativity and a desire to solve challenging and complex problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present key messages within Eastman and to external customers.
OTHER INFORMATION
• 20% Travel is required for this position
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.
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
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