Process Development Engineer

Description

This position is for an experienced scientist to support product development and formulation of Eastman’s Biodegradables products. This position will report through the Biodegradables Technology Division. 

Location

• Kingsport, TN: Travel up to 90%
• Indianapolis, IN Metro: Travel up to 50% 
• Other Remote Locations:  Travel up to 90% 

Responsibilities

1.) Scale up existing products in the Biodegradables Technology product portfolio at internal and external facilities.  This includes acting in a hands-on, active participatory and leadership capacity.
2.) Hands-on development of SOPs, documentation, and best practices for compounded product production; sharing with and translating procedures to internal and external parties as required 
3.) Partner with internal Eastman stakeholders to harmonize product data with existing data management systems
4.) Recommend further opportunities for process improvement and cost savings
5.) Coordinate and, when needed, execute analytical testing for process improvement projects at both internal and external testing laboratories
6.) Work collaboratively with Operators, Scientists, Technicians, and Engineering partners to collaboratively scale-up polymer formulations as part of the commercialization process.
7.) Provide timely communications to management and project stakeholders by communicating project needs, value, priorities, and decisions to ensure project success. 
8.) Serve as Eastman’s technical field liaison during scale up and commercialization—rapidly build trust with customers and contract manufacturers through clear, professional communication; provide constructive, collaborative coaching and direction to customer and operator teams while managing expectations and capturing feedback for continual improvement.

Qualifications

Required Degree, Experience, and Qualifications: 
•    BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related Field with 10+ years’ experience in compounding and formulating polymers
•    Deep understanding of polymer structure/property relationships and approaches to polymer formulations to achieve end-use requirements.
•    Ability to translate end-use requirements to compounded product concepts
•    Commitment to high level of safety and environmental awareness
•    Rapidly build trust with operators, contract manufacturers, and senior customer leaders.
•    Coach front-line teams and translate technical needs into clear, actionable steps.
•    Represent Eastman with a customer-first mindset while protecting company interests.
•    Must exhibit Eastman competencies
•    Must be a self-starter with a focus on results 
•    Ability to lead and drive challenging projects forward to a decision despite uncertainties
•    Strong problem-solving skills
•    Excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills

Preferred Degree, Experience, and Qualifications:
•    Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related Field with 5+ years’ of experience in compounding and formulating polymers
•    Experience in scaling small-scale processes to plant-scale equipment related to compounding, extrusion, and/or blending of plastic products
•    Experience with cellulose esters 
•    Track record of engaging with cross-functional partners to define and evaluate ways to achieve business results
•    Comfortable challenging peers and supervision to develop creative solutions
•    Proven ability to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management
•    Proven experience in leading multifunctional project teams