Process Development Engineer

Responsibilities

Job Summary:

Corporate Innovation Division has an immediate need for a Process Development Engineer. This position is specifically focused on scaling biodegradable polymer formulations to support corporate circular economy initiatives targeting the reduction of waste plastic going into landfills.  This role has two main responsibilities: scale-up of new formulated products and driving improvements in existing compounding assets/processes.  Scale-up requires smooth progression of products from lab to pilot scale to manufacturing scale; driving improvements on existing assets entails identifying and executing projects that improve safety, reliability, and product quality in manufacturing.  The ideal candidate should have experience and in-depth knowledge of thermoplastic compounding and processing equipment. The successful applicant will work with cross-functional teams to translate market needs into product concepts and subsequently develop the concepts into commercial products. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively and function in an innovative, fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment. This position will report through Eastman’s Corporate Innovation Division located in Kingsport, TN and will support compounding operations for the cellulose ester product stream. 

The job responsibilities are as follows:

• Develop methods and strategies to scale up new products and processes from lab/pilot to manufacturing scales. 
• Develop technical expertise in pilot and commercial scale compounding manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve safety, cost position, quality, and/or capacity.
• Propose and execute production trials and tests on lab, pilot, and manufacturing scales. Utilize design of experiment methodology where applicable. 
• Define processing specifications and test/control plans for providing capability analyses.
• Partner with colleagues as part of cross-functional teams including technology, manufacturing, businesses, HSES, and other functions to drive process improvement projects, commercialization of new products, and business initiatives as well as the development and execution of capital projects to enable these.
• Provide project leadership and develop lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing trials and experiments.
• Provide timely communications to management and project stakeholders by communicating project needs, value, priorities, and decisions to ensure project success. 
   

Qualifications

 
Required Education and Experience:

Required Degree: BS in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related field with 7+ years experience in pilot and commercial scale plastics compounding is required OR Ph.D. In Polymer/Materials Science or related field with 3+ years in pilot and commercial scale plastics compounding processes is required.

Skills and Experience:

• Commitment to high level of safety and environmental awareness.
• Experience in pilot plant support and scaling small-scale processes to plant-scale equipment related to compounding, blends, and packaging of plastic products.
• Ability to lead and drive challenging projects forward despite uncertainties.
• Ability to quickly develop strong partnerships with team members, project teams, other organizations, and individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and skill sets.
• Must be a self-starter with a focus on results.
• Comfortable challenging peers and supervision to develop creative solutions.
• Proven ability to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management.
• Excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills.