Industrial/Wood Application Scientist

Description

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company producing a wide range of products used daily. With a mission to enhance quality of life through material innovation, Eastman collaborates with customers to deliver high-performance materials in industries such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. The company employs approximately 13,000 people worldwide and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on industrial/wood coating properties, application processes, performance testing, and application requirements for various substrates.
• Lead customer-facing projects regarding the design, development, and optimization of materials and formulations, including resins, solvents, additives, etc.
• Drive innovation in sustainable solutions by evaluating new raw materials, bio-based solutions, and recyclable/compostable technologies.
• Develop and maintain detailed testing specifications, technical documentation, and compliance requirements tailored to industrial/wood coatings.
• Engage the value chain to discover needs across multiple applications and prioritize opportunities for development work.
• Influence decision makers at customers to adopt new solutions.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments related to industrial/wood coatings and sustainability to inform strategic decisions.
• Partner with cross-functional teams across R&D, marketing, sales, and business development teams to deliver new business growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of professional work experience in industrial or wood applications.
• Experience qualifying new coatings formulations.
• Technical understanding of different wood coatings formulations (Solvent Borne: lacquers, 1k pre-catalyzed, 2k conversion varnish, 2k polyurethane; Water borne & UV technologies).
• Proven expertise in coatings performance testing and requirements.
• Knowledge of emerging trends, sustainability principles, and regulatory compliance.
• Cross-functional experience in adjacent areas such as protective and marine is a plus.
• Experience engaging multiple points along the value chain is highly desired.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project leadership experience preferred including short-term and long-term project planning and participation on cross-functional teams.
• Able to relocate to Kingsport, TN.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 15%, mainly within North America is required.

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, Health & Wellness, Retirement & Financial Strategies, Time Away, Growth & Development.