Raw Materials Engineer

Role details

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 .

Responsibilities

Eastman is seeking a raw materials engineer at the Martinsville, VA site supporting the Performance Films business. The individual in this role will be responsible for leading technical efforts to support the manufacturing processes and involves working in cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, engineering, quality and business leadership. Primary responsibilities include identification and implementation of improvement projects along with day-to-day support. This position reports to the site Quality Control manager.

Job expectations will include

• Provide day-to-day support and troubleshooting of incoming raw materials and their impact on the manufacturing process
• Interact with and seek feedback from Operators on the manufacturing floor
• Lead projects to implement changes to raw materials specifications to improve quality and productivity with the use of Lean, 6-sigma and other continuous improvement tools (including statistical analysis)
• Act as the site representative for raw materials suppliers; partner with Procurement, drive supplier accountability, and conduct supplier audits
• Facilitate root cause analysis of quality failures and customer complaints to identify and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence
• Maintain COA and internal specification documentation for incoming raw materials, including substrates and chemicals
• Ensure product quality specifications are appropriately established and customer fitness for use expectations are met
• Participate in cross-functional problem-solving and improvement teams at the department and division level
• Collaborate with New Product Development, Product Management, R&D and customers to create and implement new materials into large-scale manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering highly preferred; other technical disciplines will be considered with applicable experience
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, operations or engineering role required

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a quality or manufacturing engineering role
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing, operations or engineering role
• Experience in an ISO 90001 environment, program leadership
• Experience with wet coating applications, convection drying, lamination, or roll-to-roll web technology
• Methodical approach to problem-solving and ability to recognize and implement solutions to improvement opportunities independently
• Experience utilizing statistical methods to problem solve and evaluate complex issues
• Strong organizational skills; detail-oriented
• The ability to multi-task and prioritize to meet deadlines and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• The ability to effectively communicate at all organizational levels
• Demonstrate a bias for action mentality towards making changes that solve problems and have a positive impact on the process, products and people

The base salary range for this position is $88,000 to $121,000.

At Eastman, we are committed to transparency and integrity in our compensation practices. Eastman includes salary ranges in some job postings to provide clear compensation information and to be compliant with state laws that require disclosure. Not all postings display ranges due to factors like location, market conditions, or position specifics. Compensation is based on qualifications and experience. Candidates are encouraged to discuss their salary questions during the interview process.

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.