Application Development Scientist - Inks

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.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced Inks Applications Scientist with over 10 years of experience developing, formulating, and commercializing Inks. This role demands deep technical knowledge of ink formulations, raw materials, printing techniques, and substrates, combined with strategic leadership to drive innovation, cost optimization, and environmental stewardship. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert, collaborating closely with R&D, marketing, sales teams, and customers to deliver high-performance materials for Inks applications that meet regulatory and market requirements. This position sits within Eastman's technology organization and provides support for our Coatings business organization. The position reports through the Group Leader Coatings Applications Development, located in Kingsport, TN, USA and is part of a global team.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on Inks properties, printing/application processes (e.g., Inkjet, Flexo, Gravure), performance testing and application requirements for various substrates.
• Lead customer-facing projects regarding the design, development, and optimization of ink materials and formulations, including resins, solvents, additives, etc.
• Drive innovation in sustainable solutions by evaluating new raw materials, bio-based solutions, and recyclable/compostable technologies.
• Develop and maintain detailed testing specifications, technical documentation, and compliance requirements tailored to inks.
• Engage the packaging value chain to discover needs across multiple applications and prioritize opportunities for development work
• Influence decision makers at customers to adopt new solutions
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments related to inks and sustainability to inform strategic decisions.
• Partner with cross functional teams across R&D, marketing, sales and business development teams to deliver new business growth

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field

At least 10 years of professional work experience in inks development

Experience qualifying new inks formulations

Technical understanding of different inks technologies including, inkjet, flexo, gravure, etc.

Proven expertise in ink performance testing and requirements

Knowledge of emerging trends, sustainability principles, and regulatory compliance for inks.

Experience engaging multiple points along the value chain is highly desired

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Project leadership experience preferred including short-term and long-term project planning and participation on cross-functional teams

Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team member with both internal and external partners

Able to relocate to Kingsport, TN

Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20%, mainly within North America is 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.

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.