R&D Undergraduate Intern

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.

Do you want real, hands-on work experience in in an industrial R&D environment?  Somewhere that has a friendly company culture, where you can from industry experts, and have amble social/networking opportunities?  Are you interested in a company with a sustainability growth strategy, a focus on safety and health of their employees, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and that gives back to the community? If this sounds like you, Eastman Chemical Company would be thrilled to talk with you further about an internship experience at our headquarters in beautiful Kingsport, TN! 

Our R&D undergraduate student interns work under the direction of a technical staff member in business-aligned research group (e.g., applications development) or an R&D support group (e.g., analytical, process development). Benefits of an Eastman R&D summer internship include competitive pay, housing with other cross-disciplinary Eastman interns, inclusion in an R&D-specific intern cohort, networking opportunities, socials, learning seminars, career mentorship, and options to participate in community service, and other area events.

Responsibilities may include:

• Working in a fast paced, results-oriented team environment to assist in developing new technologies to provide solutions to customers' needs
• Developing hands-on and in-depth technical expertise
• Supporting new or established technologies for commercial products and processes that may include:
  • Experimental materials and techniques
  • Analytical measurements
  • Assisting with process optimization and new applications
• Documenting experimental work in written and/or oral formats
• Working safely and promoting a safe work environment

Candidate Qualifications:

• Enrollment in a four-year undergraduate university program, pursing an undergraduate degree in chemistry, physics, or biology (related majors may be considered)
  • Chemical engineering majors are encouraged to apply to the Eastman ChemE internship program
• Be a rising undergraduate junior or senior
• Have problem solving, math and science skills and familiarity with statistical methodology 
• Hold a commitment to working safely
• Initiative and the ability to work in a team setting. Clear and effective written and oral communication is essential.
• Show reliable dependability and be available to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday during the 2025 Eastman internship program
• Must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States now and in the future. (Eastman does not provide sponsorship support for this position).
• Access to transportation to and from work at the Eastman Kingsport, TN site is preferred

Job Location: In-person at our Kingsport, TN company headquarters

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.