Chemical Engineering Intern - Production
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.
Site Overview
Eastman’s 40-hectare site in Newport, South Wales is a chemical manufacturing operation that employs approximately 200 personnel. About 40% of our site employees are involved in continuous 24-hour shift operations and are supported by a range of other service departments such as: maintenance, engineering, analytical laboratory, as well as: administrative, logistical, finance and IT support functions. We operate four main production plants, which use organic and/or inorganic processes. These manufacturing processes include; pyrolysis, aqueous or anhydrous reactions, esterification, hydrogenation, distillation, and filtering. Other associated activities include: Boiler-house and Effluent Treatment operations.
Responsibilities
The job is a varied one and no two days tend to be the same. We give our students “real life” experience in the production department and provide a platform to apply their theoretical skills. The student will work alongside multiple disciplines including engineers, maintenance and operators whilst being involved in the challenges of safely managing and improving our production units. We expect the student to quickly contribute to the business and in return they will benefit from obtaining experience of managing systems, problems, opportunities and people. Suitable training and mentoring will be provided. The candidate needs to be flexible in approach and an excellent communicator to take on the tasks of the day which can include any of the following:
- Troubleshooting issues through data collection and analysis
- Plant optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Plant trials – involvement with production and laboratory
- Project support and commissioning activities
- Developing documentation such as standard operating procedures, risk assessments and COSHH assessments
- Involved in safety reviews and initiatives e.g. LOPA, PHR and Root Cause Analysis
- Shutdown planning and shutdown management
Qualifications
We are looking for someone studying towards a degree (expecting minimum 2:1) in Chemical Engineering or a closely related subject with good common sense, practically minded, and with good written, numerical and social skills.
What We Offer
Our spirit of collaboration and innovation is what makes Eastman a great place to build a career. Here, you can find opportunities to grow professionally, competitive salaries, outstanding benefits, and a global work environment. People don’t just start careers here; they establish friendships and accomplish amazing things.
- Basic salary £25,000 per annum
- 13-month fixed term contract (1st July 2026 – 31st July 2027)
- Contributory pension up to 9% employers’ contribution
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Opportunity to increase annual leave with an additional 1 day per month through our Compressed Working Time initiative
- Free private medical insurance and discounted rates for dependents*
- Life insurance 4x basic salary
- Group Income Protection
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free car parking
- Onsite gymnasium
- Free eyewear provision
*Benefit in Kind
Why You Should Consider This Placement
- 1 month handover period from the previous year’s intern
- Mentoring scheme to help support your development throughout the placement
- Opportunity to get involved with sport and activity groups
- Onsite canteen
- Volunteering groups for professional development, safety and sustainability
- Close to the beautiful Welsh coast and the Brecon Beacons
- Bus routes from Newport town center that run close to the site
- Affordable train access to Cardiff (10 minutes) and Bristol (20 minutes) from Newport
- 30 minute drive from Cardiff
Application Process
To apply for this role, please upload your CV and covering letter by Friday 13th March 2026 to the following link:
Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
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