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 www.eastman.com.

 

Job Description:

Polymers Manufacturing Department - Cutter Operator Role

 

Position Details:

2-year minimum commitment At the end of 2-year commitment, there are 3 options: Remain in the Cutter Operator position indefinitely (does not require passing score on WorkKeys test) Choose to be considered for any apprenticeship program (OAP, MAP or LAAP) Requires passing score on WorkKeys test Must meet requirements of specific program E-job for other openings for which qualifications are met Pay Specifics – SG9 Position Entry Level – SG1 After successful 52-week review, SG2 After successful evaluations, salary grade will increase every 6 months until it reaches SG9 (about 4 ½ years from start date) Job Scope:

 

Responsible for performing tasks outlined in cutter pool training guide and Pelletization Checklist. Monitor and control cutters. Evaluate and correct operational conditions that arise which are not consistent with written procedures. Monitor area for unusual equipment noise or smells and take appropriate action. Take appropriate corrective actions based on observations while performing cutter inspections. Be proactive in getting polymer back in the cutter as quickly as possible. Monitor results of pelletization testing and collaborate with control room operator to plan corrective actions. Job Expectations:

Safety:

Be responsible for your personal safety and show active caring for co-worker’s safety. Abide by the Corporate Basic Safety Expectations. Follow all TEPO and PMD Safety Musts. Follow the Cutter Ground Rules. Actively work to maintain and improve housekeeping at all times in designated area, including the Mix Area. Abide by Corporate Safe Work Processes (LOTO, System Opening, etc.) Proactively identify and work to resolve/correct safety problems in designated areas.

 

Quality:

Follow all applicable quality procedures. Control pelletization process to target. Process Operation/Maintenance: Operate and monitor the polymer melt phase pelletizing systems including: cutter, water systems, die, dryer, dryer air system, and classifier Assist Operations with operations in the Mix Area as needed. Complete scheduled inspections and checklists of cutter floor area and equipment. Monitor pellet cut and proactively troubleshoot defective pellet cut. Collect pellet samples from the shaker deck for all polymer lines and transport to the Polymers Analytical Control Lab. Collect and run the in-area pellet tests: Optical scanner for black specks Pellet weight check (spec property) Hunter Lab color analyzer Enter data into SAP. Monitor and inspect all final polymer gear pumps and gear pump seal systems. Perform add-back for all polymer lines in associated area. Manage Class 2B (off-class) product from Cutter floor. Assists with final filter switches. Operate cookout related equipment, e.g. exhaust fans, cookout valves. Operate stacker and waste buggies. Complete Cutter RBOM route. Write WNs for cutter area equipment Complete shift write-up in in eLog and conduct shift handoff Commitment: Understand Company documents and make them a way of life. Understand job to be performed and willing to improve skill to included Mix Area as needed. Responsible for assigned area, to included Mix Area as needed. Follow stated vacation/attendance guidelines. Responsible for all training requests and review of all new and updated tasks and procedures, including Mix Area as needed. Responsible for reading and understanding all spot trainers related to area of responsibility in a timely fashion to assure that the latest information is applied to job tasks. Use available time on job to improve understanding of operation, including Mix Area as needed. Collaborate with team to identify and resolve pelletization process problems. Communication:

 

Read logbook/write-up in assigned area, including Mix Area as needed. Review each incident by identifying the root cause and participating in formal incident reviews as appropriate. Provide communication each day with fellow team members, staff, and partner crews via Outlook, logbooks, and verbally. Qualifications:

 

Education: 

HS Diploma or GED is required. Chemical Process Operations (CPO) certificate from NE State is preferred (not required). WorkKeys assessment preferred at time of hire. Must achieve Eastman’s required levels on the WorkKeys assessments to be eligible for OAP (Operator Apprentice Program).  WorkKeys required levels: Workplace Documents - Level 6 Graphic Literacy - Level 5 Applied Mathematics - Level 6

 

Other Qualifications:  

Must be at least 18 years of age. Must have valid driver's license. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

 

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.