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 and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

 

Responsibilities

This is a R&D position supporting the Naia™ platform. This position sits within Eastman’s technology organization and provides support for our Fibers business organization. The emphasis will be on our Naia™ filament and staple products for the textile industry.  The position reports through the Group Leader Textile Technical Service, located in Kingsport, TN, USA and is part of a global team. 
 

Partner with commercial team to deliver new business growth Follow seasonal trends, present targeted fabric collections to brands, and bring brand feedback to mills.  Lead technical discussions with brands. Determine which technical value propositions are meaningful.  Develop and present concept solutions for customer engagements Assess opportunities and advise on unmet needs, competitive products, where-to-play, and how-to-win Support regional customers (mills) in new fabric developments while maintaining a global vision for brands Determine fitness-for-use and technical suitability of mills being able to commercialize concept fabrics aligned with brand needs.  Educate on fiber/fabric properties. Investigate and summarize fabric replacement opportunities in targeted categories Attend trade shows and develop relationships with regional universities Coach and advise other functions (internal) on fabric needs and opportunities Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in design (fabric or fashion), engineering (textile, chemical, mechanical), chemistry, textile chemistry, textile technology or related field is required. Minimum 5 years of industry experience in textiles required; 10+ preferred Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%, mainly within North America is required  Experience with regional and/or international brands is highly desired Significant experience with fabric designs and constructions Customer engagement experience 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 Marketing and/or business acumen preferred Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team member with both internal and external partners

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 diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.