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.

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.

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 ink applications that meet regulatory and market requirements.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on ink 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.

• 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 ink formulations.
• Technical understanding of different ink 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, 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 internal and external partners.
• Able to relocate to Kingsport, Tennessee.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20%, mainly within North America.

• 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; voluntary benefits including vision, life, critical‑illness protection, and more; holistic wellness support such as financial‑planning tools and parental leave.
• Retirement & Financial Strategies: 401(k) with company match and an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman.
• Time Away: Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation.
• Growth & Development: Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs.

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.