TN Visa Process Development Engineer Jobs
Process Development Engineer roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineer category, covering process optimization, scale-up, and manufacturing development work. Canadian citizens can apply at the port of entry with same-day decisions. Mexican citizens need a consular appointment. A bachelor's degree in engineering is required.
Find TN Visa Process Development Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 5+ Process Development Engineer jobs
See all Process Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Process Development Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Requisition ID: 57544
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 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.
Description
We are seeking an experienced engineering leader with a systems mindset to drive scale-up initiatives across Eastman business. This individual will design and execute strategies that translate new products, process technologies, and manufacturing opportunities into reliable, commercial-scale reality.
As an R&D Chemical Process Engineer, you will act as both technical and execution leader, responsible for connecting product development, manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, procurement, and internal or external manufacturing partners to ensure scale-up efforts succeed from concept through implementation. Projects may vary in scope from incremental process improvements to new products, manufacturing technologies, asset expansions, and toll manufacturing opportunities.
The individual will provide leadership in manufacturing readiness, technology transfer, trial planning and execution, implementation strategy, and tolling readiness while contributing to the maturation of Eastman's broader scale-up discipline. This role carries significant cross-functional influence and is recognized as a go-to resource for scale-up strategy.
This position is based on-site at Eastman's Kingsport, TN headquarters.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute scale-up strategies for new products, process technologies, manufacturing opportunities, asset expansions, and toll manufacturing projects.
- Integrate safety, environmental, quality, regulatory, and operational requirements into scale-up plans, readiness assessments, critical paths, risk evaluations, and implementation timelines.
- Assess manufacturing readiness, identify technical and organizational risks, and lead mitigation efforts to address barriers to scale-up, qualification, startup, and commercial production.
- Lead technology transfer across laboratory, pilot, demonstration, toll manufacturing, and commercial environments.
- Plan and coordinate scale-up trials by defining objectives, success criteria, decision criteria, data requirements, and cross-functional resource needs.
- Apply chemical engineering, mixing, reaction engineering, and practical manufacturing principles to support process scale-up, troubleshooting, and implementation.
- Influence business decisions by assessing technical risks, project timelines, and the likelihood of successful outcomes.
- Build effective relationships with R&D, manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, procurement, suppliers, tollers, customers, and other external partners.
- Communicate project status, risks, recommendations, key decisions, and implementation needs to project teams and leadership, balancing technical rigor, cost, schedule, practicality, and business risk.
- Capture and share lessons learned, technical documentation, and best practices to improve Eastman’s scale-up processes and organizational knowledge.
- Contribute to scale-up frameworks, readiness methodologies, implementation tools, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Mentor less experienced scale-up leaders and support the development of organizational capabilities in process implementation and manufacturing readiness.
Qualifications
- BS or higher degree in Chemical Engineering or related technical field.
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant industrial experience required.
- Demonstrated track record in manufacturing, process development, process engineering, technology implementation, scale-up, or related technical roles.
- Hands-on experience with mixing operations and/or reaction engineering is a strong plus.
- Beyond technical depth, we're looking for someone who has led cross-functional technical projects, communicates and influences effectively across all levels, and thrives working independently across organizational lines.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in ambiguous, fast-moving environments is essential.
- Experience planning and executing pilot, demonstration, startup, or qualification campaigns either internally and/or at a toll manufacturer.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with project management and risk management methodologies.
- Experience working with external suppliers, tollers, or customers.
- Experience supporting manufacturing startups and operational readiness activities.
- Exposure to working across multiple businesses, functions, or global organizations.
Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, practical manufacturing perspective, project leadership skills, and the ability to identify and mitigate scale-up risks while navigating complex technical and organizational environments.
Benefits
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 coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
- A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
- Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.
Retirement & Financial Strategies
- 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.
Time Away
- Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.
Growth & Development
- Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.
At Eastman, we invest in the whole you—so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you’re proud of.
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 engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
Job Segment: R&D Engineer, Supply Chain, Chemical Research, Process Engineer, Research Engineer, Engineering, Operations
Job Requisition ID: 57544
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 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.
Description
We are seeking an experienced engineering leader with a systems mindset to drive scale-up initiatives across Eastman business. This individual will design and execute strategies that translate new products, process technologies, and manufacturing opportunities into reliable, commercial-scale reality.
As an R&D Chemical Process Engineer, you will act as both technical and execution leader, responsible for connecting product development, manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, procurement, and internal or external manufacturing partners to ensure scale-up efforts succeed from concept through implementation. Projects may vary in scope from incremental process improvements to new products, manufacturing technologies, asset expansions, and toll manufacturing opportunities.
The individual will provide leadership in manufacturing readiness, technology transfer, trial planning and execution, implementation strategy, and tolling readiness while contributing to the maturation of Eastman's broader scale-up discipline. This role carries significant cross-functional influence and is recognized as a go-to resource for scale-up strategy.
This position is based on-site at Eastman's Kingsport, TN headquarters.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute scale-up strategies for new products, process technologies, manufacturing opportunities, asset expansions, and toll manufacturing projects.
- Integrate safety, environmental, quality, regulatory, and operational requirements into scale-up plans, readiness assessments, critical paths, risk evaluations, and implementation timelines.
- Assess manufacturing readiness, identify technical and organizational risks, and lead mitigation efforts to address barriers to scale-up, qualification, startup, and commercial production.
- Lead technology transfer across laboratory, pilot, demonstration, toll manufacturing, and commercial environments.
- Plan and coordinate scale-up trials by defining objectives, success criteria, decision criteria, data requirements, and cross-functional resource needs.
- Apply chemical engineering, mixing, reaction engineering, and practical manufacturing principles to support process scale-up, troubleshooting, and implementation.
- Influence business decisions by assessing technical risks, project timelines, and the likelihood of successful outcomes.
- Build effective relationships with R&D, manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, procurement, suppliers, tollers, customers, and other external partners.
- Communicate project status, risks, recommendations, key decisions, and implementation needs to project teams and leadership, balancing technical rigor, cost, schedule, practicality, and business risk.
- Capture and share lessons learned, technical documentation, and best practices to improve Eastman’s scale-up processes and organizational knowledge.
- Contribute to scale-up frameworks, readiness methodologies, implementation tools, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Mentor less experienced scale-up leaders and support the development of organizational capabilities in process implementation and manufacturing readiness.
Qualifications
- BS or higher degree in Chemical Engineering or related technical field.
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant industrial experience required.
- Demonstrated track record in manufacturing, process development, process engineering, technology implementation, scale-up, or related technical roles.
- Hands-on experience with mixing operations and/or reaction engineering is a strong plus.
- Beyond technical depth, we're looking for someone who has led cross-functional technical projects, communicates and influences effectively across all levels, and thrives working independently across organizational lines.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in ambiguous, fast-moving environments is essential.
- Experience planning and executing pilot, demonstration, startup, or qualification campaigns either internally and/or at a toll manufacturer.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with project management and risk management methodologies.
- Experience working with external suppliers, tollers, or customers.
- Experience supporting manufacturing startups and operational readiness activities.
- Exposure to working across multiple businesses, functions, or global organizations.
Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, practical manufacturing perspective, project leadership skills, and the ability to identify and mitigate scale-up risks while navigating complex technical and organizational environments.
Benefits
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 coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
- A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
- Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.
Retirement & Financial Strategies
- 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.
Time Away
- Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.
Growth & Development
- Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.
At Eastman, we invest in the whole you—so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you’re proud of.
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 engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
Job Segment: R&D Engineer, Supply Chain, Chemical Research, Process Engineer, Research Engineer, Engineering, Operations
See all TN Visa Process Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new TN Visa Process Development Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Process Development Engineer
Verify your engineering degree qualifies
TN visa status requires a degree in engineering, not just a related field. A chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering degree maps cleanly to process development work. A materials science or chemistry degree may need a written nexus explanation in your offer letter.
Target manufacturers with active process teams
Pharmaceutical, semiconductor, food processing, and chemical manufacturing companies run dedicated process development functions. Search by NAICS industry code rather than job title to find companies that hire for this role at scale.
Get your offer letter to cite engineering duties explicitly
CBP officers classify TN petitions by job duties, not job titles. Ask your employer to describe process optimization, scale-up protocols, and design of experiments in the letter. Vague language like 'supports production' can trigger a denial.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsoring employers fast
Filtering job postings by TN visa sponsorship history saves weeks of outreach to employers who won't sponsor. Migrate Mate shows which companies have actively sponsored TN engineers, so you can target your applications where approval is already established.
Prepare for port-of-entry filing as a Canadian
Canadian citizens don't need a consular appointment. Bring your degree transcripts, offer letter, and a copy of your TN category justification to the port. Officers can approve same-day, but a poorly organized packet often results in secondary inspection.
Coordinate your start date around Mexican consular timelines
Mexican citizens must schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. consulate. Wait times vary by location and season. Build at least six to eight weeks into your start date negotiation to avoid losing an offer because of appointment availability.
Process Development Engineer TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Process Development Engineer role qualify for TN visa status?
Yes, Process Development Engineer falls under the USMCA Engineer category, which covers roles requiring engineering theory and practice. Your job duties must involve engineering work such as process design, scale-up, or optimization. A bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is required. Roles focused primarily on quality inspection or technician-level tasks without engineering analysis may not qualify.
How does TN visa sponsorship compare to H-1B for this role?
TN has no annual lottery and no cap for Canadian citizens, so you can start work as soon as your petition is approved at the port of entry. H-1B visa requires entering a random lottery with roughly a one-in-four selection rate. For a clearly qualifying role like Process Development Engineer, TN is faster, cheaper for employers, and has no numerical limit constraining your options.
Where can I find Process Development Engineer jobs that offer TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for TN visa job seekers and filters roles by sponsorship history, so you're not applying blindly to companies that won't sponsor international professionals. Most general job boards don't filter by visa type or track which employers have sponsored TN workers in the past, which makes targeting sponsoring employers inefficient.
Can my employer sponsor TN status if they've never done it before?
Yes. TN doesn't require prior USCIS approval or employer registration the way H-1B does. A first-time TN employer only needs to provide a valid offer letter describing qualifying engineering duties, your wage, and the duration of employment. The burden is low for employers, which is one reason TN sponsorship is easier to negotiate than H-1B sponsorship with smaller companies.
What happens to my TN status if my process development role changes significantly?
TN status is tied to the duties described in your original offer letter. If your role shifts from engineering design and process analysis into general management or non-engineering work, your current TN authorization may no longer cover the new duties. You'd need a new TN filing reflecting the updated role. Migrate Mate can help you identify employers whose process development positions have stable, engineering-focused scopes.