TNE Packaging Engineer

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 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit  Description Temporary Need Employees are part-time positions, without benefits, and are eligible to work up to 1200 hours in a calendar year. The duration of this assignment is not to exceed 12-months. We are seeking an experienced Senior Packaging Engineer with over 10 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 is a remote position. Responsibilities • Provide technical leadership and mentorship on packaging properties, converting processes (, extrusion coating, 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 growthQualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.• Minimum 10 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 partnersEastman 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 highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.