Process Development Engineer

Process Development Engineer in the Performance Films Technology Organization at Eastman Chemical Company located in Martinsville, VA. Individual will primarily support automotive and architectural markets for Window Films and Paint Protection Films, serving as a liaison between R&D and manufacturing focusing on process development, successful scale‑up of new products, maintaining Technology‑Manufacturing Readiness protocol, and scouting new process innovations for raw materials and film converting technologies including coating/lamination and winding/slitting R2R processes. Candidate must be flexible, proactive and professional with experience in scale‑up and process development applications such as coatings, pressure‑sensitive adhesive formulations, radiation‑cured polymeric coatings, and web handling. Candidate should communicate effectively and function in an innovative, fast‑paced multidisciplinary team environment. Responsibilities Actively participate in full compliance with the site’s Zero Incident Mindset Safety programs. Identify safety concerns and implement countermeasures via engineering and administrative solutions. Champion process capabilities and leverage technology boundaries to apply and help project execution. Identify areas of improvement on the manufacturing floor and collaborate with R&D scientists and manufacturing engineers to provide solutions with direct impact on quality and cost. Scout external vendors and technologies and present recommendations for new technology implementation to management; develop capital project proposals (scope, safety reviews, estimates). Build out modeling/theory and apply to final products. Participate in improving operating and management of change process (MOC). Interface with project managers and teams to understand needs, advance projects and meet deliverables in Technology‑Manufacturing Readiness Level, interpreting trial plans with operations and other teams. Interface with Quality and Manufacturing Departments to identify actions for quality improvement and implement root‑cause analysis, statistical process control (SPC) and other quality initiatives. Communicate results, conclusions, and recommendations to internal and external audiences; keep stakeholders informed (e.g., project reviews). Document work with clear, concise technical reports and complete them in a timely fashion. Develop strategies and lead teams to obtain necessary information to scale up new products and processes to commercial scale, either in existing assets or new design and build. Represent Eastman in scale‑up and process innovation, understanding business and market needs regarding growth, new commercialization, scale‑up capabilities, and needed process technology improvements. Provide technical and business assessments to guide management in decisions for development and scale‑up of new products/processes. Provide scale‑up project leadership, overseeing lab, pilot, and manufacturing scale‑up activities (direct oversight of lab work is not typical, but awareness of others’ lab work is important). Engage with business and technical management to advocate for appropriate scale‑up activities, facilities, and capabilities. Represent Eastman with tolling opportunities where processes will be scaled and manufactured externally. Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science/Art – Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, Optical, Physics or related discipline. Three or more years of experience in R&D, engineering and/or operations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with Six Sigma methodology and tools such as Minitab and/or JMP. Familiarity with wet coating application: gravure and slot die. Ability to handle multiple assignments of varying complexity. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills for implementing cross‑functional process improvements. Strong analytical and quantitative skills for problem‑solving large/complex problems and proven decision‑making ability. Knowledge of roll‑to‑roll web technology is a plus but not required. Good written, listening, and verbal communication skills. Team player in a collaborative environment. Self‑starter and self‑motivated. Availability to respond to call‑outs and flexibility to work overtime and extended hours, including weekends and holidays if needed. Desire to make a measurable positive impact on plant performance and profitability. Desire to gain hands‑on experience in R&D and plant operating environments. Base salary range for this position is $112,000–154,000. Benefits Base pay plus performance‑based incentive opportunities. Comprehensive medical, prescription‑drug, and dental coverage with Health Savings Account option. Robust menu of voluntary benefits (vision, optional life, critical‑illness protection, and more). Holistic wellness support: financial‑planning tools, family‑building assistance, parental leave, and Employee Assistance Program counseling. 401(k) with company match and additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman. Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation. Mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs for career growth. 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 class as designated by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Eastman