Eastman Chemical Company

R&D Developer and Marketing Technical Service

Eastman Chemical Company • $110K — $150K *
Greer, SC 29651In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or related field required; PhD preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in technical service, product development, applications engineering, R&D, or technical sales in a polymer-focused field.
  • Proven ability to build customer relationships and communicate technical solutions effectively.
  • Strong skills in technical problem-solving, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical writing.
  • Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

  • Identify customer opportunities and partner with Sales and Marketing to pursue new polyester film products.
  • Develop PET-based film products from concept to commercialization, including key product specifications.
  • Coordinate and support pilot line and manufacturing trials while establishing quality requirements.
  • Execute product design changes for existing products to meet customer needs and quality standards.
  • Provide technical support across various functions and collaborate with international colleagues.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth within a global organization.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams and international exposure.
  • Engagement in innovative projects that directly impact customer success.
  • Flexibility in schedule to accommodate development and manufacturing trials.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

R&D Developer and Marketing Technical Service
Mitsubishi Chemical America - Polyester Film Division | Greer, SC

Turn customer challenges into the next generation of polyester film products.

Are you a technically curious scientist or engineer who enjoys working with customers and bringing new ideas to life? Mitsubishi Chemical America is seeking an R&D Developer and Marketing Technical Service professional to join our Polyester Film team in Greer, South Carolina.

In this role, you'll connect customer needs with materials science and manufacturing expertise to develop high-value polyester (PET) films. You'll help identify new business opportunities, translate technical challenges into product concepts, and support development from initial testing through commercialization.

Reporting to the Director of R&D, you'll contribute to the team's growing focus on customer-driven innovation while supporting existing products and solving day-to-day technical challenges.

What You'll Do
  • Discover opportunities through customer relationships. Partner with Sales and Marketing to pursue business growth opportunities for novel polyester film products. Engage with new and existing customers through visits, technical presentations, and troubleshooting activities to identify and develop high value PET films that satisfy unmet needs for these customers.

  • Develop new film solutions. Develop novel PET-based film products for various markets, customers and technical applications from concept through full manufacturing commercialization. This includes identification of key product attributes and properties critical for functional performance; specification development and maintenance; pilot line and/or manufacturing trial planning, coordination, and coverage; establishing quality requirements including new test development; establishing process capability; and commercialization / turn-over to manufacturing.

  • Bring ideas into production. Define critical product attributes, develop specifications, plan and support pilot and manufacturing trials, establish test methods and quality requirements, and coordinate the transition to commercial manufacturing.

  • Improve existing products. Execute product design changes for existing commercial products that do not meet evolving functional needs or quality requirements for specific customer applications. This may include customer visits and interaction as well as corresponding internal and customer specification revision.

  • Collaborate across functions and borders. Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Regulatory, and Customer Service. Exchange ideas and collaborate with technical colleagues in Germany and Japan.


What You'll Bring
  • A Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or a related field required; a PhD is preferred.
  • 5 + years of experience in technical service, product development, applications engineering, R&D, or technical sales within a polymer-focused field.
  • The ability to build relationships with customers, understand technical needs, and communicate potential solutions through clear discussions and presentations.
  • Strong technical problem-solving, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical writing skills.
  • Intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative approach to developing practical solutions.


Experience That Stands Out
  • Experience with polyester or other polymer films, extruded thermoplastics, packaging films, fibers, or related manufacturing applications.
  • Coating formulation, design, and application experience, including coatings for films, fibers, or other plastic products.
  • Knowledge of chemical surface treatments for polymers.
  • Experience taking products from concept through commercialization.


Travel

Travel is required up to 25%, including domestic customer visits, conferences, and potential international technical meetings. Domestic trips are typically two to three days, with some weeklong trips. Schedule flexibility is needed to support development and manufacturing trials, including occasional nighttime or weekend calls.

Build on your technical expertise, connect directly with customers, and help shape what comes next in polyester film. Apply today.

The salary range for this position is $110,000-$150,000. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.

About Eastman Chemical Company

Eastman Chemical Company (Eastman) is a global specialty chemicals company that produces a range of advanced materials, chemicals and fibers that are found in products people use every day. Eastman has over 40 manufacturing sites in 16 countries and equity interests in joint ventures that supply chemicals, plastics, and fibers products to customers throughout the world. Eastman has a portfolio of specialty businesses that hold positions and provide products that enhance performance in a variety of end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman management believes that the Company's end-market diversity is a source of strength, as these markets are benefiting from longer-term global trends such as energy efficiency, a rising middle class in emerging economies, and increased health and wellness. On July 2, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of Solutia Inc. (Solutia).

Eastman Chemical Company Careers

Join the vibrant team at Eastman Chemical Company, a global leader in the chemical industry known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety. At Eastman, we offer a plethora of job opportunities that pave the way for professional growth and personal achievement. We are proud to be a company where diversity and leadership go hand in hand, fostering a culture that values every team member's contribution.

Work You’ll Do

At Eastman Chemical Company, your work will directly contribute to groundbreaking solutions that influence markets and improve lives. Whether you're involved in research, marketing, production, or management, you are positioned to lead and innovate in every project you handle. Our team is composed of over 14,000 dedicated professionals who bring their diverse skills to the table, working collaboratively to drive success and leadership in the chemical industry.

Innovative Career Paths

Explore the multitude of career paths available at Eastman, from internships that offer real-world experience to full-time positions that challenge and expand your capabilities. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, ensuring that the right skills are matched with the right opportunities. We believe in nurturing your career through continuous learning and development, supported by our robust training programs in areas like leadership, diversity, and technical skills.

Be Part of a Great Team

Joining Eastman means becoming part of a culture that prizes innovation and teamwork. You will work alongside industry experts and leaders who are eager to share knowledge and insights. Our team’s collaborative efforts are the driving force behind our award-winning workplace, recognized globally for its excellence in safety, sustainability, and employee satisfaction.

Benefits and Growth

Eastman Chemical Company is committed to the growth of its employees. We offer competitive benefits designed to support your life, both at work and at home. From health and wellness programs to financial and retirement planning, we ensure you have the resources you need to succeed in every aspect of your life. Our commitment to professional development means you’re always learning, always growing.

Internship Opportunities

Kickstart your career with an Eastman internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry exposure and hands-on experience, making them a perfect starting point for students and recent graduates eager to make their mark. Interns at Eastman gain critical skills, work on meaningful projects, and network with professionals across the company, providing a strong foundation for future employment opportunities.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Eastman Chemical Company? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Eastman by following our careers blog. Gain insights from insider perspectives, and stay ahead with tips that you can apply directly to your next interview or resume update. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences, and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Eastman Chemical Company.

Explore Eastman Chemical Company Careers

Whether you’re seeking to enhance your skills, lead with innovation, or grow within a diverse team, Eastman Chemical Company offers a career path filled with opportunities. Join us in making a difference in the chemical industry and beyond.
Learn more about Eastman Chemical Company
Size
14,000 employees
Market Cap
$9.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$478 million
Founded
1920
5 Year Trend
+3.1%
Revenue
$8.4 billion
NASDAQ

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