Chemicals & Materials STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee
Chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee span specialty chemicals manufacturing, advanced coatings, and materials science across a state home to major employers like Eastman Chemical in Kingsport and BASF operations in the region. Memphis, Nashville, and the Tri-Cities area each host chemical industry employers actively hiring STEM OPT-eligible graduates in engineering, R&D, and process roles.
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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.
Responsibilities
We are looking for a Rheology Scientist to support the rheology/viscosity area in the Scale Up Analytical Development group. This role provides primary support to manufacturing facing projects and quality control lab development needs.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
- Follow applicable safety, quality, and data-management requirements; maintain good laboratory practices; and help keep instruments and work areas in reliable, orderly condition.
- Collaborate with partner functions, such as R&D, manufacturing, quality and business partners to understand needs and provide viable analytical testing solutions primarily focused on viscosity type measurements.
- Work in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to provide safe, effective analytical solutions to our internal partners or for customer fitness for use. Prioritize work and manage multiple and/or competing demands.
- Develop and design experiments and test methods in support of a variety of QA/QC labs, product lines and applications.
- Elucidate and recommend analytical solutions for successful scale-up and manufacturing of new and existing products.
- Anticipate technical difficulties and develop creative solutions.
- Prepare/Write technical presentations and reports to document work for internal consumption.
- Prepare and present written and oral reports to communicate with manufacturing, R&D, Business, Customer and/or Quality teams.
- Work in and lead multidisciplinary teams to safely execute technical projects, including coaching, mentoring, and directing the work of technicians.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry with 5+ years of related experience involving analytical problem solving and experience with rheological and/or viscosity measurements or PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or similar with focus on Rheological studies of materials.
- A strong foundation in rheology and experience applying rheological techniques to materials or product questions. Experience with rheometry, experimental design, data analysis, and technical communication is expected. A chemistry focused background is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to communicate complex analytical data clearly to technical and nontechnical partners, including Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and business teams, to inform decision-making.
- Experience training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to colleagues.
- Experience leading one or more projects concurrently.
- Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to improve analytical methods, laboratory capabilities, or processes and drive their implementation.
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.
LOCATION
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
JOB SEGMENT
Chemical Research, QC, Chemical Engineer, R&D Engineer, QA, Engineering, Quality
INTRODUCTION
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.
Responsibilities
We are looking for a Rheology Scientist to support the rheology/viscosity area in the Scale Up Analytical Development group. This role provides primary support to manufacturing facing projects and quality control lab development needs.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
- Follow applicable safety, quality, and data-management requirements; maintain good laboratory practices; and help keep instruments and work areas in reliable, orderly condition.
- Collaborate with partner functions, such as R&D, manufacturing, quality and business partners to understand needs and provide viable analytical testing solutions primarily focused on viscosity type measurements.
- Work in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to provide safe, effective analytical solutions to our internal partners or for customer fitness for use. Prioritize work and manage multiple and/or competing demands.
- Develop and design experiments and test methods in support of a variety of QA/QC labs, product lines and applications.
- Elucidate and recommend analytical solutions for successful scale-up and manufacturing of new and existing products.
- Anticipate technical difficulties and develop creative solutions.
- Prepare/Write technical presentations and reports to document work for internal consumption.
- Prepare and present written and oral reports to communicate with manufacturing, R&D, Business, Customer and/or Quality teams.
- Work in and lead multidisciplinary teams to safely execute technical projects, including coaching, mentoring, and directing the work of technicians.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry with 5+ years of related experience involving analytical problem solving and experience with rheological and/or viscosity measurements or PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or similar with focus on Rheological studies of materials.
- A strong foundation in rheology and experience applying rheological techniques to materials or product questions. Experience with rheometry, experimental design, data analysis, and technical communication is expected. A chemistry focused background is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to communicate complex analytical data clearly to technical and nontechnical partners, including Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and business teams, to inform decision-making.
- Experience training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to colleagues.
- Experience leading one or more projects concurrently.
- Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to improve analytical methods, laboratory capabilities, or processes and drive their implementation.
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.
LOCATION
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
JOB SEGMENT
Chemical Research, QC, Chemical Engineer, R&D Engineer, QA, Engineering, Quality
STEM OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in TennesseeChemicals & Materials STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals & materials companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Tennessee?
Eastman Chemical, headquartered in Kingsport, is one of Tennessee's largest specialty chemicals employers with a history of sponsoring STEM OPT candidates in R&D and engineering roles. DuPont, BASF, and regional coatings and materials manufacturers operating across the state also appear in DOL Labor Condition Application filings for STEM-related occupations. Employer sponsorship patterns vary by facility and role, so reviewing LCA disclosure data through OFLC is a practical starting point.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Kingsport anchors Tennessee's chemicals sector as home to Eastman Chemical's global headquarters, making it the most concentrated hub for STEM OPT-eligible roles in the industry. Memphis supports chemical distribution and materials handling operations tied to its logistics infrastructure. Nashville's growing advanced manufacturing corridor and Chattanooga's materials and coatings employers round out the primary cities where chemicals and materials sponsorship opportunities appear most frequently.
What types of chemicals & materials roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that regularly qualify include chemical engineer, materials scientist, process engineer, R&D chemist, quality assurance engineer, and polymer scientist. These occupations appear under STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs codes that make graduates eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided the employer is E-Verify enrolled and the position falls within the student's degree field. O*NET occupation profiles can help confirm whether a specific job title aligns with your declared major.
How do I find chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for chemicals and materials employers in Tennessee that have filed Labor Condition Applications for STEM-relevant occupations, so you're not sifting through roles that don't match your authorization. Rather than searching general job boards and guessing at sponsorship willingness, Migrate Mate surfaces verified employer filing history so F-1 STEM OPT candidates can focus on companies already familiar with the process in Tennessee's specialty chemicals and advanced materials sector.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT in Tennessee's chemicals sector?
Tennessee does not impose additional state-level work authorization requirements beyond federal STEM OPT rules, but the chemicals and materials industry carries unique compliance considerations. Many facilities operate under EPA or OSHA process safety regulations that may require background checks or security clearances, which can affect hiring timelines. Employers in specialty chemicals sometimes require on-site work at regulated facilities, making remote or hybrid arrangements less common than in other STEM fields, so candidates should confirm work location expectations early in the hiring process.