PhD Polymer Process Development Engineer

Description

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking polymer process scientists and engineers to join the Technology organization in Springfield, MA or Kingsport, TN. As a polymer process development engineer, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and piloting polymer processing technologies to support new products and process development. This role bridges polymer and material science and process engineering, working closely with cross-functional teams in R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance. You will be collaborating with scientists and engineers to bring innovations to markets through fast prototyping and collaboration with external customers. This role requires a fast-fail mindset through prototype demonstration via lab and pilot plant processes.

Responsibilities:

• Lead polymer process development and optimization across lab, pilot, and commercial scales—covering startup/shutdown, equipment setup, and process optimization—to achieve precise control over melt behavior, minimize defects, and ensure consistent product performance.
• Lead efforts to optimize polymer processing for film and injection molding applications, ensuring superior product quality and consistency that align with customer expectations and market demands.
• Diagnose and resolve root causes for polymer processing challenges and optimize rework strategies and material blends.
• Define scope and lead capital/technology scouting, vendor trials, safety reviews, and ROI recommendations.
• Coach technicians/operators, lead pilot and plant trials, and prepare technical reports and IP disclosures. Support presentations to customers and executive leadership.
• Champion Zero-Incident Mindset for Safety, LOTO, preventive maintenance, and RCAs.
• Partner with colleagues as part of cross-functional teams including technology, manufacturing, businesses, HSES, Engineering and other functions to drive process improvement, growth programs and business initiatives.
• Enhance professional growth and technical awareness by keeping abreast of technical literature in the field and pursuing relevant training while developing areas of interest and expertise.
• Serve as a trusted technical partner by engaging directly with customers and global Eastman teams to resolve complex processing challenges, provide expert guidance, and represent the company with professionalism in all customer-facing interactions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Macromolecular Science, Materials Science, Polymer/Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Deep practical understanding of polymer melt rheology as it affects polymer processing, such as sheet/film formation or injection molding.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve common polymer processing defects and implement robust rework strategies.
• Practical knowledge of polymer characterization (e.g. rheometry, DSC/TGA, FTIR, tensile, GPC/SPEC) and structure–property interpretation.
• Experience applying SPC/DOE and process control techniques; comfortable with gauge R&R and statistical analysis of process/performance data.
• Effective communication and influencing skills — able to distill data and present clear recommendations across technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Self-starter: independently prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and drive technical decisions to closure.
• Ability to apply mechanical knowledge in real-world settings to diagnose issues, implement solutions, and ensure process reliability.

Preferred Qualifications (may vary by role):

• Experience in piloting and industrial manufacturing with polymer melt processing and thermoplastic processing.
• Experience in polymer film applications with critical quality requirements such as optical clarity, haze, lamination readiness, and adhesion consistency.
• Direct melt extrusion experience (single and/or twin screw) with demonstrated scaleup from lab/pilot to commercial lines.
• Familiarity with roll-to-roll/web handling; inline thickness gauges (optical/Xray); slot dies; R2R equipment.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of injection molding processes and equipment across all molding applications.
• Experience leading equipment implementation, vendor trials, or capital projects; exposure to Lean/Six Sigma and ISO/GMP/IATF environments.
• Data tooling: JMP/Minitab and/or Python for DOE and analysis.
• Record of patents, publications, or external technical collaborations.

#LI-Tennessee #LI-Massachusetts