What are the responsibilities and job description for the Application Development Representative position at Eastman Chemical Company?
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.
Description
Eastman Chemical Company is seeking an experienced Filter Products Application Development Representative to execute portfolios of innovative product solutions, extending beyond acetate tow, for Eastman's Filter Products customers. Developments addressing sustainability concerns and needs within the reduced risk product space are of particular importance. Success in this role requires the ability to gather and apply insights on the changing landscape across the tobacco industry and within specific customer organizations, as well as how materials within Eastman's broad product portfolio can be utilized to grow sales to Fibers customers. This position is located onsite at our headquarters in Kingsport, TN.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support market-facing technical projects; define technical milestones, risks and mitigation plans and enable advancement of projects led by others.
- Design and execute application- and formulation-specific experiments to develop fundamental understanding of filter tow applications to processing performance and end-use properties.
- Independently manage relationships within large multi-national customers, helping to both identify problems and coordinate solutions.
- Understand and respond to pending regulatory concerns and trends such that Eastman maintains a strong industry position.
- Guide improvement of Eastman's laboratory capabilities to support our objectives.
- Support pilot and scale up trials; troubleshoot processing challenges and recommend robust, safe operating conditions and continual improvements.
- Create and protect innovative solutions via patent disclosures and support intellectual property activities.
- Utilize oral and written communication to influence choices of internal and external partners as well as report technical findings.
- Grow Eastman's credibility as an innovator through participation in industry organizations, including as a committee member and conference presenter.
- Apply and promote rigorous safety and environmental practices: lead hazard assessments, ensure compliant handling and disposal of materials, and support other safety programs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field required, PhD preferred.
- 5 years industry experience required. Experience translating polymer formulation fundamentals into commercial scale products highly preferred.
- Demonstrated hands on experience with polymer testing, filter process, and result interpretation.
- Combination of high technical skillset and relational aptitude is a necessity.
- Strong understanding of polymer structure–property relationships and how formulation and processing influence end use properties.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical results to cross functional teams and customers.
- Proven commitment to safety and environmental compliance.
Preferred Qualifications (not required)
- Experience in design, processability, and structure-properties of cellulose esters.
- Track record of patent filings or published technical reports or journal articles.
- Experience running customer application trials and translating feedback into product designs.
- Experience within multiple technical, customer support, and business functions.
Other information:
- Occasional travel (up to 15%) may be 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.
- Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.
- 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.
- 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.
- Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.
- 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.
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