Job Information
Eastman Associate Compounding Engineer I in Kingsport, Tennessee
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 and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Description
This position is for an experienced compounding engineer to support manufacturing, process improvement, and scale-up of compounded plastic products. This position will support compounding operations for both cellulose ester and copolyester product streams.
Responsibilities
Develop methods and strategies to scale up new products and processes from lab to pilot to manufacturing scales.
Develop technical expertise in pilot and commercial scale compounding manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve safety, cost position, quality, and/or capacity.
Propose and execute production trials and tests on lab, pilot, and manufacturing scales. Utilize design of experiment methodology where applicable.
Troubleshoot daily operational issues - interface with operations and maintenance personnel as problems are addressed.
Partner with colleagues as part of cross-functional teams including technology, manufacturing, businesses, HSES, and other functions to drive process improvement projects, commercialization of new products, and business initiatives as well as the development and execution of capital projects to enable these
Provide project leadership and develop lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing trials and experiments.
Provide timely communications to management and project stakeholders by communicating project needs, value, priorities, and decisions to ensure project success.
Qualifications
Required Degree:
BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Plastics or Polymer Engineering or Related Technical Field is required.
Required Experience:
5+ years experience in pilot and commercial scale plastics compounding processes is required.
Additional Qualifications:
Commitment to high level of safety and environmental awareness.
Experience in pilot plant support and scaling small-scale processes to plant-scale equipment related to compounding, blend, and packaging of plastic products (preferred).
Must exhibit good leadership attitudes and behaviors.
Must be a self-starter with a focus on results.
Ability to lead and drive challenging projects forward despite uncertainties.
Comfortable challenging peers and supervision to develop creative solutions.
Proven ability to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management.
Excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills.
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 diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.