Packaging Engineer

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

Primarily on-site in Kingsport, TN, with openness to remote work arrangements.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on packaging properties, converting processes (e.g., 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 growth.

• 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 required.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%, mainly within North America.
• Deep technical understanding of paper substrates, coatings, barrier technologies, and converting processes.
• Understanding of packaging requirements across different food packaging applications, including 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.
• 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.

Eastman will not accept applicants for this position who require visa sponsorship, including those whose status is F‑1 visa OPT who subsequently would require ongoing visa sponsorship.

The base salary range for this position is $,000.

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…