Process Innovation Chemist
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.
Description
The Process Innovation Chemist will work under the direction of the Group Leader of Texas Process Innovation at our manufacturing facility in Longview, TX. Chemists should be capable of working in a fast paced research environment and provide chemical expertise in support of process chemistry for the manufacturing areas, new product development, and process improvements
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with applications R&D, manufacturing, marketing and business partners to understand customer needs and provide commercially viable technical solutions
- Develop research plans and design experiments to provide safe and effective execution of process chemistry or new product development
- Utilize understanding of organic synthesis, chemical mechanisms, and kinetics to provide solutions to complex problems.
- Anticipate technical difficulties and develop creative solutions
- Write patents, technical market support literature, technical presentations, and publications, including internal research for publication, and provide support/liaison for external research conducted in line with the organization’s research strategy
- Prepare and present written and oral reports to communicate with production, marketing, sales, and related functions
- Work in and lead multidisciplinary teams to execute on technical projects, including directing the work of technicians
- Safe execution of all laboratory processes with demonstrated ability to effectively identify hazards associated with chemistries being explored and take appropriate actions
- Demonstrated creativity and desire to solve challenging and complex problems
- Passion for understanding the fundamental aspects of complex chemistries and processes
- Ability to lead and contribute as a member of multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill data and effectively present key messages across the technical enterprise, as well as various groups such as marketing, manufacturing, regulatory, QA/QC, supply chain, customer service, sales and external customers and suppliers
- Strong organizational/time management skills and ability to prioritize
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in organic chemistry is preferred though consideration for those with backgrounds in organometallic chemistry and polymer chemistry will be considered
- Strong computing skills
- Strong problem solving skills with experience in statistical methodology
- Clear and effective written and oral communication skills are essential
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: Longview
Job Segment:
Chemical Research, Supply Chain, R&D, Product Development, Engineering, Research, Operations