Packaging Engineer
Eastman · Kingsport, TN
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Travel
- 25%
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- 14 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Eastman (chemicals) in Kingsport, TN. Provide technical leadership and mentorship on packaging properties, converting processes (e.g., lamination, metallization, printing, filling, sealing), performance testing and application requirements specific to film and paper-based solutions.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Painting / coating
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage · about 25% travel
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Tennessee: typical posted base $89k–$149k.
Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 40 manufacturing engineer openings in Tennessee, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Tennessee plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 39 other live manufacturing postings in Tennessee.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (5+ vs 7+)
Typical $89k–$149k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 7+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Lean 63%
- Tooling 53%
- New product launch 50%
- Six Sigma 43%
- Automation 43%
- Cost reduction 38%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Painting / coating, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Eastman
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- The posting says about 25% travel. Between which sites?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Eastman in Kingsport
1 other open role at this site.
- Process Improvement Chemical Engineer · Lean / CI
Full description from EastmanAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Provide technical leadership and mentorship on packaging properties, converting processes (e.g., lamination, metallization, printing, filling, sealing), performance testing and application
requirements
specific to film and paper-based solutions.
- ✓Lead customer facing projects regarding the design, development, and optimization of paper-based flexible packaging structures, including multi-layer laminates incorporating paper substrates, coatings, and sustainable barrier materials.
- ✓Drive innovation in sustainable paper packaging by evaluating new raw materials, bio-based coatings, and recyclable/compostable barrier technologies.
- ✓Develop and maintain detailed packaging specifications, technical documentation, and compliance
requirements
tailored to paper-based flexible packaging.
- ✓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 packaging solutions
- ✓Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments related to paper-based packaging and sustainability to inform strategic decisions.
- ✓Partner with marketing and business development teams to deliver new business growth
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- ✓Minimum 5 years of industry experience in flexible packaging design and development, with both paper and film-based packaging materials and solutions.
- ✓Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%, mainly within North America is required
- ✓Deep technical understanding of paper substrates, coatings, barrier technologies, and converting processes.
- ✓Understanding of packaging
requirements
across different food packaging applications, including considerations for barrier, shelf life, regulatory compliance, and food safety.
- ✓Proven expertise in packaging performance testing related to film and paper-based materials.
- ✓Strong knowledge of sustainability principles, recyclable and compostable packaging standards, and regulatory compliance for paper-based packaging.
- ✓Experience engaging multiple points along the packaging 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 team
- ✓Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team member with both internal and external partners
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Packaging Engineer with over 5 years of experience in the design and development of film- and paper-based flexible packaging solutions. This role demands deep technical knowledge of paper substrates, coatings, and sustainable barrier technologies, 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, sustainable paper-based packaging that meets 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.
Note
Eastman will not accept applicants for this offered position who require visa sponsorship, including those whose status is F-1 visa OPT who subsequently would require ongoing visa sponsorship.
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.
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