Team Leader

Blow Molding Technical LeaderFounded 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.As the Technical Service / Application Development (TS/AD) Technical Leader, you will serve as the primary technical lead supporting regional and global strategic marketing initiatives for Eastman's Specialty Plastics business, with a strong focus on blow-molded circular plastic packaging applications. You will work directly with brand owners, converters, and blow molders to enable packaging solutions that align with brand circularity commitments. This role is located onsite at our Kingsport, TN headquarters. In this role, you will build and sustain deep technical relationships across the value chain to support circular solutions, ensure packaging performance while meeting sustainability targets, and enable successful market adoption. The position requires strong technical expertise in blow molding processes including Injection Stretch Blow Molding and Extrusion Blow Molding combined with a working knowledge of recycling systems, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and evolving regulatory and brand-owner expectations.Key responsibilities include leading launch-phase customer projects, providing advanced technical support and on-site consultation, collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Product Management, Quality, and Manufacturing, and translating brand-owner sustainability goals into actionable technical solutions that drive business growth.B.S. with 15+ years of relevant industry experience. PhD or Master's degree and 10+ years industry experience strongly preferred, but not required. Degree must be in Materials Science or Engineering, Polymer Science and/or Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field. Strong technical knowledge and commercial understanding of the polymers and plastics industry, with demonstrated experience in packaging applications. Hands-on experience and downstream exposure across the value chain — including brand owners, converters, and blow molders — are highly preferred. Extensive experience supporting blow-molded commercial packaging products (e.g., injection stretch blow molding, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding), with a strong preference for applications involving circular packaging. Demonstrated understanding of brand-owner circular commitments and compatibility with existing recycling infrastructure; experience balancing sustainability objectives with processing robustness and package performance is strongly preferred. Strong understanding of structure–property–processing relationships in thermoplastic polymers, particularly as they relate to blow molding of virgin and recycled materials; familiarity with design of experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies is preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with brand owners, converters, and internal cross-functional teams. Proven ability to build credibility, influence technical decision-making, and establish trusted long-term working relationships with customers.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.